Who is Scottie Pippen?

Scottie Pippen’s Early Life

Scottie Maurice Pippen was born on September 25, 1965, in Hamburg, Arkansas, the youngest of twelve children. Growing up in a small town, Pippen found his outlet on the basketball court, where his exceptional height and athleticism stood out. Despite playing as a point guard in high school, major college programs overlooked him due to his slender build.

He ultimately attended the University of Central Arkansas, a NAIA school, where he experienced a late growth spurt and polished his skill set. His transformation into a multidimensional forward—one who could handle the ball, distribute, and score—caught the eyes of NBA scouts, propelling him from relative obscurity to lottery pick status in the 1987 NBA Draft.

Scottie Pippen’s NBA Career

Pippen was selected fifth overall in the 1987 draft by the Seattle SuperSonics but was quickly traded to the Chicago Bulls—a fortuitous move that would define his career. Under the mentorship of head coach Phil Jackson and alongside superstar Michael Jordan, Pippen developed into one of the league’s premier two-way players.

• Early Years (Late 1980s): Initially coming off the bench, Pippen’s defensive instincts and ball-handling skills quickly earned him a larger role. By the dawn of the 1990s, he was a mainstay in the Bulls’ starting lineup, providing the team with an additional playmaker and lockdown defender on the perimeter.
• Ascension to Stardom: As the Bulls formed one of the greatest dynasties in sports history, Pippen emerged as Jordan’s primary sidekick. Yet he was more than just a complementary piece—he garnered All-NBA and All-Defensive accolades, showcased his versatility on offense, and consistently guarded the opposing team’s best scorer.
• Leading Without Jordan: When Jordan first retired in 1993, Pippen stepped up as Chicago’s go-to option. He led the Bulls in multiple statistical categories and proved he could carry a team deep into the playoffs. Although the Bulls came up short of a title, this period cemented Pippen’s reputation as a bona fide star in his own right.

Championship Legacy

Pippen’s true legacy is carved out by his role in the Bulls’ six championships (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998). Alongside Jordan, he formed one of the most iconic duos in NBA history. Known for his unselfish play, defensive versatility, and uncanny basketball IQ, Pippen functioned as the Bulls’ fulcrum—facilitating the triangle offense, igniting fast breaks off steals, and excelling in clutch moments.

With Phil Jackson as head coach, Chicago revolutionized modern basketball. Pippen’s Swiss-army-knife skill set—guarding multiple positions, running the offense, and finishing strong at the rim—was integral to the Bulls’ dominance. By the late 90s, his impact was such that he was widely regarded as the best all-around forward in the game.

Scottie Pippen’s Interesting Facts

Point Guard Roots

Before his late growth spurt, Pippen honed his ball-handling and passing skills at the point guard position. This guard-like agility and vision made him a dynamic playmaker even at the forward spot.

Master of Defense

Pippen was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team eight times. He relished shutting down marquee opponents—whether they were power forwards or point guards.

Olympic Glory

Pippen won two Olympic gold medals (1992, 1996). As part of the 1992 “Dream Team,” he helped usher in a new global popularity for basketball.

Hall of Fame x2

Pippen was enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame twice—individually, and as a member of the 1992 Dream Team.

The Historic No. 33

His jersey number, 33, was retired by the Chicago Bulls, forever linking him with the franchise’s most glorious era.

Scottie Pippen’s Personal Life

Pippen’s life off the court has seen its share of highs and lows. He married Larsa Younan in 1997, and the couple had four children. Though they eventually divorced, they remain dedicated parents. Pippen has been involved in various business ventures and philanthropy, often focusing on youth development programs in underserved communities.

While he occasionally made headlines for disagreements or personal matters, Pippen is known for his soft-spoken demeanor and loyalty to his teammates. He’s also been open about the challenges of adjusting to life after basketball—particularly the financial lessons many retired athletes learn.

Scottie Pippen’s Achievements

• 6× NBA Champion (1991–1993, 1996–1998)
• 7× NBA All-Star (1990, 1992–1997)
• All-Star Game MVP (1994)
• 3× All-NBA First Team (1994, 1995, 1996)
• 2× All-NBA Second Team (1992, 1997)
• 2× All-NBA Third Team (1993, 1998)
• 8× All-Defensive First Team (1992–1999)
• 10× All-Defensive Team Selection (First & Second)
• 2× Olympic Gold Medalist (1992, 1996)
• Named to the NBA’s 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams