Scottie Pippen: “Bulls Front office kept Michael Jordan & Myself from winning more titles”

January 17, 2020 Archie Maraasin

June 14, 1998 was the last time Michael Jordan made a field goal for the Bulls. And it was the famous “Last Shot” in game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz. By his own will, Jordan literally stopped playing basketball at top of his game. Because he wanted no part of a rebuilding process in absence of Phil Jackson and Scottie Pippen who both had their contract expired that summer.

“Who knows what will unfold in the next several months. But that may have been the last shot Michael Jordan ever take in the NBA.”

Bob Costas right after the shot during live commentary

Then January 13, 1999. It’s been 21 years since Michael Jordan retired from the game of basketball for the second time. It was the lockout-shortened 1998/1999 NBA season which destroyed Chicago Bulls franchise.

Bulls GM Jerry Krause did not want to work with Phil Jackson, Scottie Pippen who wanted more money, went to Houston Rockets and got the big-time contract that he wanted for 10 years, Dennis Rodman was partying all the time and then signed with Lakers but quit the team after playing couple weeks, Steve Kerr went to Spurs and won an NBA championship there. The Bulls were so bad in the post-Jordan era. They wasted a lot of 1st picks. They couldn’t figure out for years. And they are still cursed by that.

Scottie Pippen of ESPN’s The JUMP revealed the story of Jerry Krause and Jerry Reinsdorf wanted to break up the world championship team in 1999. He said that Chicago Bulls’ front office kept Michael Jordan and the mighty Bulls from winning more NBA titles.

He’s right because the Eastern Conference was so weak and old at that time. Already crushed by Jordan and the Bulls. And for that year, in particular, all Michael wanted was rest and play more golf. And the season started in February.

They had plenty of rest for recovering their injuries, especially Scottie Pippen and his infamous back problems. I don’t think San Anthonio Spurs would’ve matched equally against rested Jordan & Scottie. (Also old New York Knicks, Pat Riley’s Miami Heat or Indiana Pacers would not be a problem for them)

WHAT IF?

What if Jordan never walked away that year. Because he wanted the play basketball and he did between 2001 and 2003. Phil, Scottie, Jordan, and Rodman all wanted to continue their incredible journey. They all wanted to keep that nucleus together, except Bulls’ management. They definitely had a chance to keep the same players they had and the sky was the limit for them.

©oldskoolbball