Interview: Greatest Teammate Gets His Due | Pippen's Top 10 Greatest Moments
Bulls legend Scottie Pippen
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Two days before former Bulls great and future Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen will have his No. 33 jersey retired at the United Center, he participated in a live chat with fans.
Pippen spent 17 seasons in the NBA, most notably his 12 with the Bulls, and helped Chicago claim its six World Championships (1991-93 and 1996-98). Among his many other accolades, he was chosen one of the NBA's 50 Greatest Players of All-Time in 1996 and was a seven-time All-Star, including the game's MVP in 1994.
If you mised the live chat, here is the transcript.
Zuruzuru: What differences do you see in the game of basketball played 10 years ago and the game played nowadays?
Scottie Pippen: I just think that you don't see the same skill level now. Today's game is faster, but the players aren't as polished...mostly because the players are so much younger. Also, there isn't the same team chemistry. It's just a more youthful game today, the age of players compared to 10-15 years ago, is a big difference.
Curt(Memphis): How does it feel to be honored by having your jersey number retired?
Scottie Pippen: It's probably one of the greatest individual honors a player can achieve. It's not something you can set a goal for... it's more something that is given to you by an organization, which makes it that much more special. There are only a few ways it can happen but the common thing is that it indicates you did some very special with and for that franchise.
Isaac, Chicago: How will u feel on Friday night? Are you going to cry or not?
Scottie Pippen: No, I don't think so. I'll be strong and try and make it a fun and enjoyable night. It's a great honor. I'm very honored and I'm really humbled by it and will cherish it for the rest of my life.
othella: Why number 33?
Scottie Pippen: I think as a young kid, it was a number I always admired, following in the footsteps of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar... watching him as a kid he really stood out. Obviously, I couldn't wear No. 23... but No. 33 was a special number for me.
jp, seattle: When did you realize that you would be traded by the sonics who drafted you to the bulls and what were you thinking about when that all happened...did you and olden polynice who you were traded for ever talk about the trade later?
Scottie Pippen: I didn't know what to expect. I was informed that Chicago was going to trade for me later... so I knew that. It was still an anxious moment. To answer the second part; no, Olden and I never discussed it. But I do think it worked out better for me than it did for him.
bronson, chicago: Scottie - I know you won the All-Star MVP in 1994 but do you have a favorite momement while playing and while growing up watching the All-Star game?
Scottie Pippen: My favorite playing moment was the final one I played in... when Earvin "Magic" Johnson came back. It was a great game and we all showed our love for him. He played great and I think he won the MVP, so that All-Star Game probably stands out for me....even more than the one when I won the MVP myself.
Ray (Los Angeles): Hey Scottie! You are the greatest all around player in the nba history. But one thing that changed your game among others, was the fact that you played defence. Please explain how its like to shut down an oppononent?
Scottie Pippen: Well, I always use my size and speed to defend. I also wanted to get in front of players and fill lanes, and work off the picks. I also wanted to use my strength and anticipation and size to keep focused on what I needed to do for the entire 48 minutes. Even if they could sustain their offense at the beginning, usually by the end of the game, all the effort you put in would eventually pay off.
yotam from israel: what do you think about the bulls on this season?
Scottie Pippen: I really like this team. This team has a bit more hunger than last season's team. Scott Skiles has a better bench now too, I think. He has a good steady substution pattern, and feel for how his team can work best. Bringing [Ben]Gordon and [Loul] Deng off the bench is really working for him, for instance. It's a work in progress, but they are very exciting to watch and I expect big things from them this season.
Herc, Dearborn: Mr. Pippen: What was it like having Dennis Rodman join the Bulls after his tough play versus the Bulls as a Piston. And do you ever run into Rodman anywhere?
Scottie Pippen: I'll do the second part, first. I think I ran into him once since playing with him. I met him in Miami one night, but that was it. But, Dennis' addition to the Bulls was one of the best personnel moves ever made. He was a very special player on a very good team. He kinda re-energized us and got us excited again. He also brought a whole new group of fans to our team. He was a great teammate, and he's someone who I have a great deal of respect for--for his basketball knowledge.
Bryan Matti Detroit: Which player in the NBA do you think reminds you of yourself and why?
Scottie Pippen: That's a tough call. I'd like to say Tayshaun Prince, but he is lefty. But he is long and has similar characteristics... but he wasn't probably pushed into the area I was....as a point-forward. Some people say Tracy McGrady... who I don't think is really like me at all. Sometimes folks say Lamar Odom, but I don't see the speed and energy in Lamar. And even if my offense was not working that night, I made my contributions on the defensive end...which you don't see alot. Also, I see some guys trying to compare people to Michael Jordan. One thing I can say on that, is that unless you perform at the top level on both ends of the court, on the offense and on the defensive end...you cannot begin to compare a guy's game to Michael's, because of what he did on the defensive end of the court.
Scottie Pippen: I'd like to thank all the fans for supporting me over the 18 years. I had so many good times with some of the greatest teams in this league and I really enjoyed it and it wouldn't have been as enjoyable if it wasn't for your support.
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