Scottie Pippen retired on Oct 5, 2004 after 17 seasons in the league.
Often labelled Michael Jordan's "sidekick" and part of the Chicago Bulls "supporting cast", Pippen consistently showed that he was more than that. His ability to read the game, shut down his opposition and their offence and his ability to finish above the rim are things that I'll remember about Pips. So many highlights - how about that dunk by Pippen in 96 with 2 secs to push Chicago past Washington after MJ had the ball stripped by Mitchell Butler? or that time he dunked over Ewing in 94? or how he shut down the Utah offence, playing at guard, forward and centre?
Hopefully Pippen will be remebered for more than just being the teammate of the best basketball player of all time. When asked at his retirement: "A lot of people suggest that you wouldn’t have accomplished everything you did without Michael Jordan. How do you react to that?" He responded “I’ve heard that numerous times. But as I stand here and as I look back, I don’t think Michael had any championship trophies without me."
What a legend!
SI article on Pippen
[Edit: Sportsguy just posted an article on Pippen! The Other '33' ]
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