Andrew Pace
Scottie Pippen is a former American professional basketball player who played 17 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played for the Chicago Bulls, the Houston Rockets, and the Portland Trail Blazers. Pippen won six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls and is considered one of the greatest small forwards of all time. So, when did he retire from basketball?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of retirement | 2004 |
| Age at retirement | 39 |
| Teams played for during the 2003-04 season | Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers, Chicago Bulls |
| Number of seasons played in the NBA | 17 |
| Number of NBA titles won | 6 |
| Teams that won NBA titles | Chicago Bulls |
| Number of Olympic gold medals won | 2 |
| Years Olympic gold medals were won | 1992, 1996 |
| Year of brief comeback | 2008 |
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What You'll Learn
Scottie Pippen's career
Scottie Pippen is an American former professional basketball player who played 17 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born on September 25, 1965, in Hamburg, Arkansas, Pippen grew up in a large family with 11 older siblings. Despite not receiving an athletic scholarship to college, he began his college playing career at the University of Central Arkansas, where he initially served as the basketball team's manager. By the time he graduated, he had grown to 6 feet 7 inches and was the team's best player.
In 1987, the Seattle SuperSonics selected Pippen in the first round of the NBA draft and traded him to the Chicago Bulls. During his rookie season (1987-1988), he became a regular in the Bulls' lineup. Known for his multifaceted skillset, Pippen excelled under the basket and as a perimeter shooter. He played 12 seasons for the Bulls, winning six NBA championships (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998) and becoming a key contributor to one of the greatest dynasties in NBA history.
During his time with the Bulls, Pippen played alongside Michael Jordan, widely considered the greatest player of all time. Despite being overshadowed by Jordan, Pippen's stellar play earned him recognition, and he was named to the first of seven career All-Star games in 1990. With Jordan's retirement in 1993, Pippen became the primary star on the team and led them to a successful season. However, his refusal to reenter a crucial playoff game due to a disagreement with coach Phil Jackson created some tension.
In 1998, with Jordan's second retirement and Jackson's departure, the Bulls traded Pippen to the Houston Rockets. The following year, he was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers, where he played for four seasons. Before the 2003-04 season, he returned to the Bulls but played only 23 games due to injuries. Pippen officially retired from the NBA in 2004.
Throughout his career, Pippen achieved numerous accolades and honours. He was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team eight consecutive times and the All-NBA First Team three times. He was a seven-time NBA All-Star and was named the NBA All-Star Game MVP in 1994. Additionally, he won two Olympic gold medals, including one as a member of the "'Dream Team'" in 1992. In 1996, he was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History, and in 2010, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
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Chicago Bulls dynasty
Scottie Pippen, born on September 25, 1965, in Hamburg, Arkansas, retired from the NBA in 2004. He played 17 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA), winning six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls.
The Chicago Bulls of the 1990s are considered one of the greatest dynasties in NBA history. Led by Michael Jordan, the Bulls won six NBA championships in eight years. This period is remembered for the team's dominance, with Jordan and Scottie Pippen leading the charge. The Bulls' success during this era transformed the team into a championship contender and helped popularize the NBA worldwide.
The 1991-1993 Chicago Bulls team won three consecutive NBA championships. During this period, Jordan was the team's primary star, with Pippen playing a supporting role. However, when Jordan retired after the 1993 season, Pippen stepped up and led the team to a successful 1993-1994 season, showcasing his talent as the primary star.
The Bulls' dynasty was also marked by Jordan's return to basketball in 1995, after a brief retirement, and the team's continued success. The 1995-1996 season saw the Bulls suffer only their second loss, but they quickly rebounded, winning the championship again in 1996 and 1997. The 1997-1998 season, chronicled in the documentary "The Last Dance," was the final year of the Bulls' dynasty, with Jordan and Pippen leading the team to their sixth championship in eight years.
The Chicago Bulls of the 1990s left an indelible mark on the NBA. Their success, coupled with the global icon status of Michael Jordan, elevated the league to new heights. The team's defensive prowess, offensive firepower, and cultural significance made them a must-watch for basketball fans worldwide. The dynasty's impact extended beyond the court, with the team's player introductions, media attention, and Jordan's groundbreaking salary setting new standards for the league.
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Post-retirement comeback
Scottie Pippen, born in 1965, played 17 seasons in the NBA, winning six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls. He played his last season in 2003-04, appearing in only 23 games due to injuries, and retired from the NBA in 2004.
In 2007, three years after his retirement, Pippen attempted an NBA comeback. He had spent the winter working out in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and announced his intentions for a late-season return to the league. At the time, he stated that he was in better shape than he had been in five years and was looking to join a championship contender to get his seventh championship ring. Several players, including Dwyane Wade and Gilbert Arenas, expressed their support for the idea of Pippen's comeback.
In January 2008, at the age of 42, Pippen made a brief comeback to professional basketball with a tour of Scandinavia. He played two games for top-tier teams in Finland and Sweden: Torpan Pojat (ToPo) in Finland and Sundsvall in Sweden.
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Accolades and achievements
Scottie Pippen retired from basketball in 2004. Here is a detailed overview of his accolades and achievements:
Pippen is considered one of the greatest small forwards of all time. He played 17 seasons in the NBA, winning six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls. He was a key contributor to the Bulls' three consecutive NBA championships from 1991 to 1993 and, following Michael Jordan's retirement, became the primary star on the team. With Jordan's return to basketball in 1995, Pippen and Jordan formed an exceptional partnership, leading the Bulls to another three consecutive championships from 1996 to 1998.
Pippen was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team eight consecutive times and the All-NBA First Team three times. He was a seven-time NBA All-Star and was the NBA All-Star Game MVP in 1994. Standing at 6 feet 8 inches tall, Pippen's size and strength made him a formidable player under the basket, while his ball-handling skills and shooting ability made him a versatile threat from outside.
In addition to his success in the NBA, Pippen represented the United States in Olympic basketball, winning two gold medals. He was a member of the famed "Dream Team" at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, and he secured his second gold medal in 1996.
Pippen's achievements have been recognized by numerous honours. He was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History during the 1996-97 season, and he is one of only four players to have his jersey (number 33) retired by the Chicago Bulls. In 2010, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, further cementing his legacy as one of the all-time greats in the history of the sport.
Even after his retirement, Pippen's influence on the game continued. In 2007, at the age of 42, he briefly returned to professional basketball, playing in Scandinavia for top-tier teams in Finland and Sweden. This demonstrated his enduring popularity and the respect he commanded within the basketball world.
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Post-retirement life
Scottie Pippen, a six-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls and double Olympic gold medalist, retired from basketball in 2004. However, his post-retirement life has been eventful and he has remained connected to the sport.
In 2005, the Bulls retired his number 33 jersey, honouring his remarkable career with the team. This was a significant recognition of his impact on the court, as he was only the fourth player in the team's history to receive this honour. The University of Central Arkansas, his alma mater, followed suit in 2010, further cementing his legacy in the sport.
Pippen attempted an NBA comeback in 2007, expressing his desire to play for a championship contender and pursue a seventh championship ring. He spent time training in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and even played briefly in Scandinavia in 2008, joining top Finnish and Swedish league teams for a few games. Despite this brief return, Pippen's focus post-retirement seemed to shift to other endeavours.
Pippen has also faced some challenges in his personal life. He experienced issues with his financial adviser, Robert Lunn, who was found guilty of bank fraud. Additionally, he went through a highly publicised divorce from television personality Larsa Pippen, which was finalised in 2021.
Pippen's children have also ventured into sports and entertainment. His son, Scotty Pippen Jr., plays for the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA, while his daughter, Sophia Pippen, appeared on the first season of 'Dancing with the Stars: Juniors'. Another son, Justin Pippen, is set to play college basketball at the University of Michigan.
Pippen's impact on the NBA and his post-retirement endeavours have solidified his place in basketball history. He is considered one of the greatest small forwards of all time and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010, a fitting tribute to an iconic career.
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Frequently asked questions
Scottie Pippen retired from the NBA in 2004.
Yes, in 2008, Scottie Pippen came out of retirement at the age of 42 and played two games in Scandinavia for the Finnish league team Torpan Pojat and the Swedish league team Sundsvall.
Yes, Scottie Pippen won six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls.
Scottie Pippen played 17 seasons in the NBA.
Yes, Scottie Pippen was traded to the Houston Rockets in 1998 and then to the Portland Trail Blazers in 1999. He played for the Portland Trail Blazers for four seasons before returning to the Chicago Bulls for the 2003-04 season.
