Chicago Bulls: Scottie Pippen was a vital component to the dynasty

Scottie Pippen is often overlooked, but he was extremely vital to the Chicago Bulls’ dynasty run during the 1990s that resulted in six NBA championships

Scottie Pippen is arguably the greatest complimentary player in NBA history. He was a vital cog in the dynasty wheel for the Chicago Bulls during the 1990s and, yet, is also cursed with being one of the most undervalued great in the history of the NBA.

As was brought to light in ESPN’s ‘The Last Dance’ documentary, Pippen was vastly underrated during his peak years with the Bulls. The seven-year, $18 million contract that he signed in 1991 wasn’t even close to the value that he was worth to the Bulls and, perhaps more importantly, Michael Jordan. He should’ve signed for much more.

Unappreciated. It’s often a word to describe how the Bulls viewed Scottie Pippen.

More from Sir Charles In Charge

Before Pippen joined the Bulls, Michael Jordan was essentially the big one-man show in the NBA. In the three seasons before Pippen, Jordan was absolutely sensational as a player. There was no doubt about that, averaging 28 points, seven rebounds, and six assists during his rookie season and then 37 points, five assists, and five rebounds per game during his third season (his second season was tainted by injury).

However, in each of his three seasons before Pippen, Jordan was never able to take the Bulls beyond the first round of the playoffs. That didn’t begin to change until Pippen’s emergence, during Jordan’s fourth season in the NBA.

Then, the Bulls really took off as a team when Phil Jackson was hired as the head coach in 1989.

On one end of the triangle offense, you have one of the greatest wing slashers in history who is only getting better with every passing practice and game. On the other end, you have a player who is quickly becoming the best player in the NBA – who will soon be recognized as the greatest player to ever play the game of basketball.

But Jordan and the Bulls probably don’t win all six NBA Championships without Scottie Pippen.

We must recognize how incredibly talented he indeed was. During his peak, Pippen could use his 6-foot-8 frame and length to defend anyone on the floor. Because of his natural ability on that end of the floor, he was named to the NBA’s All-Defensive first team eight years in a row, becoming only one of three players in NBA history with 200 steals and 100 blocks in a single season.

Pippen was also a great offensive slasher. From 1990 through his final season in Chicago, Pippen never averaged less than 18 points per game and never shot under 45 percent from the field. It had to be nearly impossible for teams to defend both Scottie and Jordan every night.

Next. NBA Draft: Breaking down Cole Anthony as a prospect in the 2020 class. dark

Who knows how good Scottie Pippen would be without Michael Jordan, but that shouldn’t discount his career. He’s a top 50 player of all-time and it’s about time that’s recognized universally.

Home/Chicago Bulls