Life Came a Full Circle for Scottie Pippen

Getty Images: Scottie Pippen on the court

Scottie Pippen is no stranger to crushing it on the court. During his 17-year long NBA career, the player won six championships for his team Chicago Bulls, along with Michael Jordan. He is the only player in NBA’s history who has managed to win an NBA title and an Olympic Medal, in a year, twice.

The athlete is said to have played a titular role in pulling the NBA to the limelight during the 1990s. He is also considered to be one of the greatest players who played the position of small forward.

While the journey was definitely memorable, it was also mired in disputes and disagreements.

Found His Way Back to the Beginning

Sam Smith: Pippen had to start his struggle again

Pippen was instrumental to the success of Chicago Bulls in the 1990s, and for his team’s spectacular performance that managed to pull the crowds in significant numbers. But, due to tensions within the group, the sportsman had to take leave.

He later played four seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers and one with the Houston Rockets.

The departure was caused due to internal politics. During that time, Scottie and the Bulls’ manager Jerry Krause threatened to walk out at many points. He stuck around one last time during which the team won the championship.

In 1998, he finally left the team. Scottie managed to negotiate a newer contract worth $11 million, four times what he was paid by the Chicago Bulls. As explained in Krause’s memoir, the trade-off felt more like a ‘gift’ than a punishment.

Scottie then traded his position at Rockets with Blazers after being vocal about the disappointing game and performance.

Brian spurlock: Scottie Pippen during his glory days

The subsequent four years of his professional career were financially lucrative. It put him ahead of his ex-teammates by a long mile. On the game front, the team managed to reach the playoffs but failed to secure the trophy.

John Paxson, the then general manager of the Chicago Bulls, ultimately managed to convince Pippen to return to the team where he began his career. In 2003, life came a full circle for the player as he signed a two-year contract worth $10 million. The team had not seen the same success as it once enjoyed at its prime.

Karen E. Segrave: Pippen ’33’ number jersey was retired

In 2004, he announced retirement, and his jersey number – 33 was retired by the Bulls.

Known as an agile, tenacious, and a versatile player, Scottie Pippen was one of the greatest basketball defenders. He was blessed with great genes that allowed him an exceptional form and was also admired for his work ethic and commitment to the game.