“Scottie would probably be in a wheelchair” – Bulls assistant said MJ’s return and Rodman’s arrival extended Pippen’s career
“Scottie would probably be in a wheelchair” – Bulls assistant said MJ’s return and Rodman’s arrival extended Pippen’s career originally appeared on Basketball Network.
From 1987 to 1996, Chicago Bulls icon Scottie Pippen played close to 100 games per season. Load management wasn’t a thing then, which meant the small forward had to play 82 regular-season games plus an additional 15-20 more in the playoffs.
Pip’s work rate radically increased in the 1993-94 NBA season, the year Michael Jordan was out playing baseball. Without MJ, Scottie had to carry the load on offense, defense, and team captain chores. The added workload caused him to miss 10 games. Pip could’ve missed more, but he chose to play through the pain in his ankles, knees, and wrists.
“In a way,” said Bulls assistant coach Tex Winter, “Scottie is a victim of the Bulls’ success.”
Waiting for Mike
According to Bulls assistant coach Jim Cleamons, Pippen’s heavier-than-usual workload extended to the 1995-96 season — Jordan’s full year back. Cleamons said the Bulls still had to wait for Michael to be in full basketball form.
During these uncertain times, Cleamons claimed Scottie powered the Bulls through the first 40 games by crashing the boards, running the break, and maintaining a high defensive intensity. The Arkansas native’s body was about to break down, but fortunately, MJ was back in form.
“When his body started to decline on him, and Michael (Jordan) then was back in basketball shape, he took up the torch and carried us through the last 25. But in the playoffs, Scottie eventually got his legs back underneath him,” Cleamons said via the Los Angeles Times.
“Scottie was a true (beneficiary) of Michael coming back and trading for Dennis (Rodman),” Cleamons added. “Can you imagine what Scottie’s body would be like if they weren’t here now? Scottie would probably be in a wheelchair. No doubt about it, they’ve probably lengthened his career.”
Related: Luc Longley on why he and Michael Jordan couldn’t get along: “Mike was doing what he did to rookies, what he was doing to me”
Hanging by a thread
The 1997-98 season was the most challenging year for the Bulls and Pippen. General Manager Jerry Krause had threatened to break up the team, which fueled the team even more to complete the three-peat.
Scottie was desperate to help his squad, but a toe injury — the result of years of wear and tear — caused him to miss the first half of the season. Ahead of Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals, a severe back injury almost prevented Pippen from rushing to the hardcourt.
“I was just hurt; physically, I didn’t want to go anymore,” Pip said. “But I did want the title. And ultimately, I sucked it up, took a few meds, and we were able to win that series. But it was a pretty tough series for me to get through.”
The pain was apparent. After finishing the opening dunk, Pippen grimaced in pain, seemingly favoring his lower back. Still, the seven-time All-Star held on and finished with a decent stat line: eight points, four assists, three rebounds, and two steals.
In the biggest game of his career, Scottie recorded a team-high +16, proving that no matter how much pain he was in, Pip could be effective and help the team get that W.
Pippen could’ve retired after winning his sixth title. After all, not only was his body battered from all those years successfully chasing titles, but he had nothing else to prove. But his love for the sport was undying. Scottie continued to lace up his sneakers for a couple more years before calling it quits in 2004, donning the Bulls jersey.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
