“You roll with your dogs, because they ride with you” – Draymond Green called out Michael Jordan for his comments about Scottie Pippen

Draymond Green called out Michael Jordan for not supporting Scottie Pippen during their 1997 conflict over surgery and contract issues.

Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors was one of many who watched “The Last Dance” in 2020. The Michigan State product admitted he enjoyed watching it, although there was a part that he didn’t like. He was referring to the part when Scottie Pippen delayed surgery for his foot. Pip could have had it done earlier and be ready by the time the 1997-98 season started. Michael Jordan was livid about Scottie’s move, although Green felt MJ should have been more considerate.

“I was kind of a little disappointed when Mike, still to this day, is like, ‘Scottie was wrong.’ Like, no. You roll with your dogs, because they ride with you,” Green said via the Washington Post in 2020.

Some factors needed to be considered at the time. At the top of the list was that the Chicago Bulls did not want to renegotiate the contract for the Central Arkansas product, even though Pippen was a vital cog for the Bulls’ five championships at the time.

Jordan contradicts himself with Pippen’s comments

Had he wanted to, Jordan could have done something to help Pippen’s predicament. Although Jerry Krause would be a pain to talk to and negotiate, Michael could have helped Scottie get a better deal.

But instead, he blasted Pippen for the timing of his surgery. MJ was obviously concerned about the Bulls’ chances at the title, not considering how unfair it was not to pay Pip the proper salary he deserved.

Green admitted there were some contradicting statements on the part of “His Airness.” After saying Pippen deserved proper recognition, Dray felt something was off with Mike on Pip’s course of action.

“You’re making $36 million, and this guy is making $2 [million], yet you’re saying that when you mention [Jordan’s] name there’s no way you cannot mention Scottie Pippen’s name? And he’s just supposed to sit there? That don’t make sense. … That’s crazy,” Green pointed out.

Like Green, Pippen also watched “The Last Dance” and was unsurprisingly upset at Jordan’s comments. He fired back at his former Bulls teammate, pointing out Jordan did selfish things himself.

“You want to know what selfish is? Selfish is retiring right before the start of training camp when it is too late for the organization to sign free agents,” Pippen said in his book, “Unguarded.”

Green is fortunate enough not to experience Bulls culture

Beyond the Jordan and Pippen squabble, the Bulls’ management left much to be desired. Draymond believes the Bulls’ decision-making was not always on point, even describing it as incompetent, so Chicago hasn’t come close to what the team achieved back in the 90s.

Coincidentally, Green could have had a taste of all this. In the 2012 Draft, Tom Thibodeau urged Bulls management to pick Dray at the time. Chicago never did, and instead, they went with Marquis Teague for the 29th pick.

“They just don’t do smart things—and that’s been proven time and time again,” Green quipped.

Green can thank his lucky stars that the Bulls passed on him. Landing in Golden State turned out to be a blessing, allowing him to evolve into an all-around player that most never saw coming.

Unlike Pippen, Green is getting his due financially with the Dubs. He has repaid that with his hard work ethic, hardly caring if he is not the top dog. That has translated into four NBA championships so far, and more could be on the horizon if Draymond and the Warriors play their cards right.