We all know there’s no Batman without Robin, Han Solo without Chewbacca, Mario without Luigi, Joe Montana without Jerry Rice, and Michael Jordan without Scottie Pippen. Without the multiple players (8) from the Celtics dynasty of the 1960s, led by Bill Russell and Sam Jones, who hold the record for most titles as teammates in the NBA with 10, Jordan and Pippen would top the list with six championships – two three-peats – won with the amazing Chicago Bulls from the 1990’s. With so much success together and sharing a locker room for 10 seasons, one would think that Jordan and Pippen would be great friends and, now retired, laugh about the nearly 700 games they played together. But the reality is very different, and according to Pippen himself, “We were never great friends.
Pippen on his Bad Relationship with Jordan
Pippen made this statement during his appearance on the Patrick Bet-David podcast. Despite saying they didn’t get along, Pippen also praised Michael, acknowledging that he is “built differently,” a great teammate, and undoubtedly better than LeBron James in any era. But their fractured relationship runs deeper than competitive tension. A significant factor is the recent controversy surrounding Larsa Pippen, Scottie’s ex-wife, and her ended relationship with Marcus Jordan, Michael’s son. This situation seems to have widened the rift between the two legends, making a reconciliation unlikely even with the fact that they are no longer together.
As teammates, Jordan and Pippen were a force of nature. Together, as told, they won six NBA championships, went undefeated in the Finals, and led the Bulls to an incredible 72-10 season in 1995-96 – the record for most wins in a regular season until the Warriors broke it in 2016. They played 691 games together, combining for more than 35,000 points, countless iconic moments and a legacy that continues to define the NBA.
It’s hard to believe that they never spent time together outside of team facilities, as Pippen said in the Podcast. There are even photos that suggest otherwise, and it’s almost essential to have a good relationship with your teammates to achieve the kind of success these Bulls have. Without chemistry, there are no results. After all, both are now older, more mature individuals who surely appreciate what they shared for so many years. Without one, the other probably wouldn’t have become the legend he is today.