Sport
58-year-old basketball star still beefing Micheal Jordan.
The dynamic between Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen has always been a subject of intrigue, especially given their pivotal roles in the Chicago Bulls’ six championship wins during the 1990s.
Despite their on-court success, their relationship has been marked by tension and public disagreements, notably highlighted by the aftermath of Jordan’s 2020 Netflix documentary series, The Last Dance.
The Last Dance and Its Fallout
The Last Dance, which chronicled the Bulls’ 1997-1998 championship season, was largely from Jordan’s perspective and included critical comments about Pippen. Jordan labeled Pippen as “selfish” for delaying his ankle surgery and missing part of that season, a remark that reportedly offended Pippen and other teammates, who felt the documentary was overly centered on Jordan.
Pippen’s Response
In response to the documentary, Pippen did not hold back his feelings. On the Gimme The Hot Sauce podcast, he criticized Jordan’s early career, calling him “horrible to play with” and praised LeBron James as the greatest player statistically. This public rebuke underscored Pippen’s frustration with how The Last Dance portrayed him and the Bulls’ history.
Personal Lives Intertwined
The already strained relationship between Jordan and Pippen was further complicated by personal matters. Michael’s son, Marcus Jordan, dated Pippen’s ex-wife, Larsa Pippen, which was widely covered in the media and added another layer to their feud. The relationship, which lasted over a year and included rumors of a wedding, ended earlier this year, reportedly due to Larsa realizing Marcus was not the right partner for her.
No Bull Australia Tour
In what appeared to be a response to The Last Dance, Pippen, along with former teammates Horace Grant and Luc Longley, embarked on the No Bull Australia tour in February 2024. Many fans and commentators, including Stephen A. Smith, speculated that the tour would be a platform for Pippen to voice his grievances against Jordan.
However, the tour turned out to be more of a nostalgic trip down memory lane rather than a series of attacks on Jordan. The players shared positive memories of their time with the Bulls and praised Jordan’s contributions to the team.
Potential Reconciliation
Despite their rocky history, Pippen’s recent comments during the tour suggested a softening stance towards Jordan. In an interview with Australia’s Today show, Pippen acknowledged Jordan’s achievements and his MVP titles, hinting at a possible reconciliation. While it remains uncertain if they will fully mend their relationship, their shared history of success on the basketball court continues to bind them.
Conclusion
The relationship between Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen is complex, marked by both incredible success and significant personal and professional disagreements. Their story highlights the challenges of balancing personal relationships with professional excellence in the high-stakes world of professional sports. Whether they fully reconcile or not, their legacy as one of the greatest duos in NBA history is undeniable.