With Jordan In Tow, Pippen Steers Bulls
More often than not, Michael Jordan hasn’t been the Chicago Bulls’ best player since coming out of retirement 5 1/2 weeks ago.
Game in and game out, offensively and defensively, on the boards and on the break, Scottie Pippen regularly has outperformed his more celebrated teammate.
“He’s consistently held us together. He’s consistently been a force out there. He’s been our defensive strength,” coach Phil Jackson said Wednesday after the Bulls prepared for Friday’s playoff opener at Charlotte. “Scottie has played extremely well, at times better than Michael.”
Even Jordan, who spent 21 months chasing baseballs and other pursuits while Pippen became the Bulls’ leader, admits as much.
“I’m trying to catch up to him. Usually, it was the other way around,” Jordan said. “I’ve got to get back up to that level. It’s a good challenge. I really like the way he’s playing right now.”
Before Jordan returned, Pippen led the Bulls in scoring, rebounding, assists, steals, blocked shots and minutes. Though his scoring is down slightly, Pippen insists that little has changed.
“I’m happy he’s back. It’s good to have him there to really make a run for the title,” said the 6-foot-7 forward, who combined with Jordan to lead Chicago to NBA championships in 1991, 1992 and 1993. “But I’m still trying to do what I was doing before he got here.”
Pippen’s teammates, however, notice a difference.
“Scottie was cast in a role the last year and a half without Michael that probably was not entirely comfortable for him,” Steve Kerr said. “Michael’s return puts Scottie in a more comfortable spot. They’re not throwing two men at him and he’s able to run more free. Scottie is our point guard, when it comes down to it. Michael is a guy who wants to shoot.”
Added Will Perdue: “The time that Michael wasn’t here, Scottie developed into more of a leader. It’s kind of unfortunate that Michael stepped right back in to be our leader, taking over for Scottie. But Michael does handle the press a little better and I think Scottie likes the fact that he’s out of the limelight now.”
Jackson, of course, is glad to have them both. Because Jordan and Pippen are so versatile - and so exquisitely talented - neither can be ignored by any opponent.
“They give each other space,” Jackson said. “They work well without the ball and with the ball. I think they read each other quite well.”
After Jordan retired, Jackson said the Bulls would strap a saddle on Pippen’s back and let him carry the team.
With Jordan playing again, Pippen “has just moved over a little bit. Maybe they’re riding side-saddle,” the coach said. “The real key is that he knows how to share this position because he’s done it in the past.”