They are different types of players ... and while there is no argument the Mailman had better career numbers, unfortunately America and it's news outlets are obsessed with winning (especially ESPN ), and last time I checked Karl Malone never won on the biggest stage, while Pippen did 6 times. Of course everyone will say Pippen only won because of Jordan. But some people ( me not included ) say Jordan won because of Pippen being the ultimate side kick. After all they both had six, they won together and never without one another. And although I also agree Pippen is overated, let's not kid ourselves he was a tremendous player and his statistics proved he belonged in an elite class of players.
In the History of the NBA , only 6 other players finished their careers with averages of 16+ pts , 6 + rebounds and 5+ assists per game. Pippen was one of them, the other 6 are some pretty good players .... Oscar Robertson , Magic Johnson , Larry Bird , Lebron James , Michael Jordan , and Clyde Drexler ...That's it. Since 1947 , these are the only guys to finish their careers with such numbers. Pippen is part of an elite group, add that to his 6 rings and 8 times 1st defense in the league and one can make a case to back up ESPNs statement.
In the History of the NBA , only 6 other players finished their careers with averages of 16+ pts , 6 + rebounds and 5+ assists per game. Pippen was one of them, the other 6 are some pretty good players .... Oscar Robertson , Magic Johnson , Larry Bird , Lebron James , Michael Jordan , and Clyde Drexler ...That's it. Since 1947 , these are the only guys to finish their careers with such numbers. Pippen is part of an elite group, add that to his 6 rings and 8 times 1st defense in the league and one can make a case to back up ESPNs statement.
While I agree that Pippen was overrated and won the rings on Mike's coattails (he never came close without him) a few posters on this board have mentioned how valuable Pippen was to Mike like you have mentioned here. It opened my eyes to how well he played. However, I don't think he was in the top 50 of all time like he was elected though.
In regards to the career averages you mention, I have to think that his scoring numbers were inflated due to Mike being double-teamed a lot. Scottie found a way to get open because of this. The assists were also helped out because when he had the ball Mike wasn't double-teamed and Jordan had a better chance of scoring once Scottie got him the ball.
A couple Scottie moments to remember:
1. Game 3 Eastern Conference playoffs against the Knicks, Phil Jackson decides he
wants Tony Kukoc to take the game winning shot with a few seconds left in the
game, so Pippen refuses to continue playing in the game and sits on the
bench and pouts.
2. Game 7 East Conference Finals against the Pistons, Pippen claims he has
a migraine and refuses to play. WTF?
1. Game 3 Eastern Conference playoffs against the Knicks, Phil Jackson decides he
wants Tony Kukoc to take the game winning shot with a few seconds left in the
game, so Pippen refuses to continue playing in the game and sits on the
bench and pouts.
2. Game 7 East Conference Finals against the Pistons, Pippen claims he has
a migraine and refuses to play. WTF?
saying pippen led this class is pretty stupid, but what do you expect from the 'worldwide leader' nowadays. karl malone has a seat at the table of the best PF's of alltime.
and, while we're at it, how much of a JOKE is it that it took dennis johnson this long to get in the HOF, while some lesbian european coach gets inducted every year.
and, while we're at it, how much of a JOKE is it that it took dennis johnson this long to get in the HOF, while some lesbian european coach gets inducted every year.
Pip made the nba all-defenisve 1st team 8 times (no help from MJ ). without mj in 94 he put up 22ppg 9rpg 6ast 3steals and led the bulls to a 55-27 record and was named all nba 1st team. No coattails there thoose are some sick numbers. Dont forget the bulls pushed the eastern confernce champs to 7 games that year and lost the series on one of the top 10 worst calls in nba history.
Yeah, like I said, Pippen was pretty good but he was not top 50. Let's look at where he stood in the NBA during 93-94:
Scoring 22 ppg (8th)
Rebounds 8.7 (less than 10th)
Assists 5.6 (less than 10th)
Steals 2.93 (2nd)
Those are not "sick" numbers when he places 8th in scoring and doesn't place in the top 10 in 2 other categories. This just outlines why he was over-rated. To summarize, he was a pretty decent scorer with good defensive skills but the NBA has seen several other players like that who didn't get the same recognition.
