Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, once teammates on the Chicago Bulls, experienced a complex friendship and rivalry over the years.

Also read | How much are Charlotte Hornets worth? Michael Jordan sells franchise’s majority stake

Throughout their basketball careers, Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen formed a dynamic duo on the court, playing together for the Chicago Bulls and contributing to the team’s incredible success. However, their relationship was not without its ups and downs. Let’s take a chronological journey through the timeline of their friendship and rivalry.

1980s: 

In the late 1980s, Jordan and Pippen developed a strong bond as they faced tough opponents like the Detroit Pistons. They grew and matured together, supporting and defending each other on the court. Their mutual respect and competitiveness were the foundation of their success.

2020: 

The Last Dance, a documentary series produced by Jordan’s Jump23 production company in collaboration with ESPN Films and Netflix, shed light on Jordan’s illustrious career and the Bulls’ basketball dynasty. While the series featured interviews with both Jordan and Pippen, it was criticized for downplaying the contributions of their teammates, a point that disappointed Pippen.

Also read | Scottie Pippen calls Michael Jordan ‘a horrible player’, says LeBron James is the best

Pippen expressed his dissatisfaction with The Last Dance, stating that it didn’t accurately showcase the achievements of the Bulls and their era. He believed the documentary was primarily focused on glorifying Jordan and failed to highlight the team’s collective success. Pippen’s remarks sparked debates among fans, with some agreeing and others defending Jordan’s portrayal.

2022: 

The rift between Jordan and Pippen seemingly extended to their personal lives when it was revealed that Marcus Jordan, Michael’s son, was dating Larsa Pippen, Scottie’s ex-wife. The significant age difference and the strained relationship between the former teammates reportedly created tension and made the new romance somewhat secretive.

2023: 

In a podcast interview, Pippen made critical remarks about Jordan’s skills as a player before their time together on the Bulls. He mentioned that Jordan was initially a “horrible player” who focused on individual performance and took ill-advised shots. However, Pippen acknowledged that Jordan eventually evolved into a dominant athlete and played a crucial role in the Bulls’ victories.

Despite the complexities and challenges they faced, the bond formed between Jordan and Pippen during their time as teammates remains an integral part of basketball history. Their friendship and rivalry left an indelible mark on the game, and their contributions to the Bulls’ success continue to be celebrated by fans worldwide.