Scottie Pippen: The Most Underrated Superstar in Basketball History There are few names in basketball history that evoke a sense of quiet greatness quite like Scottie Pippen. For die-hard NBA fans, his versatility, defensive ferocity, and all-around excellence are legendary. But for the wider public, Scottie Pippen’s story often remains overshadowed by the larger-than-life presence of Michael Jordan and the mythology of the 1990s Chicago Bulls. It’s been said many times: Scottie Pippen has been one of the most underrated players in the history of basketball. Let’s explore why this is true, and why Pippen’s contributions deserve even greater appreciation. The Shadow and the Spotlight When you think of the Bulls dynasty, Michael Jordan is the first name that comes to mind. Rightly so—Jordan is without a doubt the most influential player of his time, if not all time. But dynasties are rarely, if ever, built on the talents of a single star. Just as magic needs a partner, Jordan needed Pippen; not as a supporting cast member, but as a co-star. Pippen was the indispensable glue that bound the Bulls into one of sport’s most iconic juggernauts. He wasn’t just Robin to Jordan’s Batman—he was, at times, the linchpin that enabled the whole team to function at an elite level. His humility and team-first mentality meant that he willingly took a backseat to Jordan in the spotlight, but historians and analysts know just how central he truly was. All-Around Excellence What made Pippen so special? Start with his skill set. At 6’8″ with a 7’3” wingspan, Pippen was one of the most versatile defenders in league history. He routinely guarded four, sometimes five, positions. When the Bulls needed to shut down an opposing superstar—Magic Johnson in the 1991 Finals, for example—Pippen was the man for the job. But it wasn’t just defense. Pippen was a masterful passer and playmaker. In fact, during the Bulls’ championship years, he often handled the ball—effectively becoming one of the league’s first “point forwards.” He finished his career averaging 16.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game, numbers that only hint at his nightly impact. His stats only tell part of the story. Pippen could completely control a game without scoring, thanks to his anticipation, court vision, and basketball IQ. Few players have ever been as good at filling the box score while making those around them better. The Year Without Jordan Perhaps the greatest testament to Pippen’s underrated greatness came during the 1993-94 NBA season, when Michael Jordan briefly retired to pursue baseball. Many experts assumed the Bulls would collapse, their championship window slamming shut. Instead, Scottie Pippen stepped into the void. Pippen averaged 22 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists that season, finishing third in MVP voting and leading the Bulls to 55 wins—just two fewer than the year before, with Jordan. He was named the NBA All-Star Game MVP and led the Bulls to the second round of the playoffs. If there was ever any doubt that Pippen could carry a team, that season demolished it. Defensive Maestro In a league obsessed with scoring, defense often goes unnoticed. Pippen was one of the very best perimeter defenders of all time—named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team eight times and the Second Team twice. He led the league in steals in 1994-95, and his ability to disrupt, intercept, and transition into fast breaks was unrivaled. Scottie didn’t just neutralize the other team’s best offensive threat; he created scoring opportunities out of thin air. Pippen’s suffocating defense was a key part of the Bulls’ championship recipe and a standard few have matched since. Chemistry and Leadership Pippen was also often the bridge between fiery competitors in the locker room. His even-keeled leadership style, ability to communicate with both role players and superstars, and his willingness to do what was necessary—whether that meant taking the last shot or playing decoy—were invaluable to the team’s unity. His humility, even when underappreciated and underpaid, set a tone for the Bulls that became legendary. Legacy: More Than a Sidekick Scottie Pippen is a Hall of Famer, a seven-time NBA All-Star, a six-time NBA champion, and one of the NBA’s 50 greatest players. He also won two Olympic gold medals with the U.S. “Dream Team.” Yet, when the history of the NBA is recounted, his name often appears as an addendum to Jordan’s. The truth is clearer with every passing year: Without Pippen, there is no Bulls dynasty. Without Pippen, the mythology of Jordan would not be the same. He was, in the words of several former opponents and teammates, “the ultimate team player”—an archetype for modern two-way forwards and a blueprint for winning basketball. Conclusion Scottie Pippen’s name should stand alone among the greatest to ever play the game. His skills, leadership, and willingness to put team above self separated him from his peers. In an era focused on individual stars and statistics, Pippen sacrificed accolades for championships. Maybe that’s why he’s considered the most underrated player in basketball history. Perhaps, finally, it’s time we rate him for what he truly was: a transformative, brilliant, and indispensable force in the world of basketball.