Just Now: Scottie Pippen Reveals the True Nature of His Relationship with Michael Jordan: “It Was Horrible”
Just Now: Scottie Pippen Reveals the True Nature of His Relationship with Michael Jordan: “It Was Horrible”
In a shocking and candid new interview, NBA legend Scottie Pippen opened up about his complicated and strained relationship with Michael Jordan, calling their dynamic “horrible” during their time together on the Chicago Bulls. Pippen, who was Jordan’s trusted sidekick during the Bulls’ six NBA championships in the 1990s, revealed a level of tension and dissatisfaction that had long been hidden behind their shared success.
Reflecting on his years playing with Jordan, Pippen expressed feelings of being overshadowed and underappreciated. “People think we had this brotherly bond, but the truth is, it was horrible,” Pippen said. “There was constant pressure, and I felt like I was always in Michael’s shadow. I was expected to be the ultimate second option, but I rarely got the recognition I deserved.”
The comments come on the heels of ongoing public discussions about the Bulls’ iconic duo, fueled in part by Jordan’s 2020 documentary The Last Dance, which focused heavily on Jordan’s leadership and legacy. Pippen, who was often depicted as a loyal and supportive teammate in the documentary, now says that portrayal didn’t fully capture the complexities of their relationship.
“I gave everything I had to that team, but Michael was always the face of it,” Pippen continued. “It was tough. I was fighting for respect, but it always felt like I was just there to support him, not as a co-star in the way the world saw us.”
While Pippen acknowledged Jordan’s immense talent and importance to the Bulls’ success, he made it clear that the personal dynamics between them were far more tumultuous than many realized. “We won together, but the toll it took on me was real,” Pippen concluded. “It’s time people knew the truth.”
