Scottie Pippen Alleges Scorekeeping Bias in Favor of Michael Jordan in New Book

Chicago Bulls legend Scottie Pippen has stirred up significant controversy with the release of his new book, “Unguarded,” which hit the shelves in November 2021. Among the many revelations, Pippen alleges that scorekeepers during his playing days often credited his steals to his more celebrated teammate, Michael Jordan. This claim adds another layer to the complex narrative of the Bulls’ dynasty and the relationship between its two biggest stars.

Pippen’s assertion centers on the idea that Michael Jordan, known for his charismatic influence, managed to sway officials even in the recording of game statistics. “Michael was better at getting people to do whatever he wanted,” Pippen wrote. “I saw it over and over, from the first training camp in 1987 to the last victory rally in 1998.”

The book details specific instances where Pippen felt slighted by the scorekeepers. “Here’s how it worked: Say I deflected the ball and tapped it over to him. I should get credit for the steal, right? Nope. More often than not, the steal went into his column on the stat sheet, and I could do nothing about it,” he added.

To the casual NBA fan, Pippen’s allegations might seem surprising, considering his critical role in the Bulls’ six NBA championships. Known for his defensive prowess, Pippen was often tasked with guarding the opposing team’s best perimeter players. His ability to switch on pick-and-rolls, disrupt passing lanes, and cover shooting guards made him an invaluable asset to the Bulls’ defense.

Statistically, Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen are two of the greatest defenders in NBA history. Jordan led the league in steals per game three times (1987–88, 1989–90, and 1992–93) and ranks third in NBA history in steals per game (2.35) and fourth in total steals (2,514). Pippen, meanwhile, is seventh all-time in total steals and 14th in steals per game. The duo combined for 19 All-Defensive Team selections, underscoring their dominance on the defensive end.

Pippen’s new claims add to a series of remarks he has made since the airing of the “Last Dance” documentary, which he felt underappreciated his contributions to the Bulls’ success. The documentary, which primarily focused on Michael Jordan’s career, has reignited discussions about the dynamics of the Bulls during their championship runs.

Adding a lighter note to the recent controversies, Scottie Pippen’s son, Justin, provided a heartwarming and playful moment on Instagram ahead of Father’s Day. A video posted by Slam High School showed the father-son duo enjoying breakfast, playing Connect Four, and engaging in a friendly game of “PIG” on the basketball court.

Justin’s playful jibes at his father, paired with Scottie’s gracious responses, offered fans a charming glimpse into their personal lives. This lighthearted interaction provided a refreshing counterpoint to the more serious allegations made in Pippen’s memoir, showcasing the close bond between father and son.

Scottie Pippen’s revelations in “Unguarded” offer a fascinating insight into the internal dynamics of one of the NBA’s most storied teams. His allegations, if true, suggest a deeper level of favouritism towards Michael Jordan that extended beyond media coverage and into the very statistics that shape players’ legacies. While it’s difficult to verify Pippen’s claims without concrete evidence, they do highlight the often subjective nature of sports scorekeeping.

Pippen’s feelings of underappreciation are not new. His contributions to the Bulls’ success have frequently been overshadowed by Jordan’s legendary status. However, his defensive skills, versatility, and unselfish play were crucial to the Bulls’ dominance in the 1990s. The discourse around these new allegations may prompt a reevaluation of Pippen’s legacy and his true impact on the game.

The lighter moments with his son Justin remind fans of the human side of these sports legends. Amidst all the controversies and competitive narratives, these personal glimpses offer a heartwarming reminder of the values and relationships that matter most.