There are only two sides to a coin, and according to Scottie Pippen, neither Michael Jordan nor LeBron James is on either side. The former basketball legend has recently stirred up the GOAT debate and dissed the Los Angeles Lakers star.
During a recent appearance on the PBD Podcast, Pippen expressed his views on the greatest NBA players. He clarified that he does not consider James or Jordan as the GOAT. Instead, Pippen believed that Magic Johnson deserved that title. He praised Magic for his exceptional leadership and his ability to lift his team in crucial situations.
However, the six-time NBA champion insisted that his six NBA championship rings give him an edge over LeBron James. His argument rests heavily on the idea that team success defines greatness in basketball.
“My success as a team is more successful than LeBron’s. I got six rings,” Pippen said. Right after that, Bet-David asked Scottie Pippen if he believed that, from an NBA owner’s perspective, the average owner would choose him or LeBron James as their number one option for an all-around player.
“I don’t know, do you want individual accolades or do you want championships? ‘Cause I didn’t chase mine,” he replied.
Scottie Pippen DESTROYS Lebron:
— Thetruth (@Thetruth8240) January 18, 2025
Would you put yourself ahead of Lebron?
Scottie: I have 6 rings
Who do you think the average owner would pick as their #1 you or Lebron?
Scottie: "Idk,You want individual accolades or you want championships? Cuz i didnt chase mines"
(Via… pic.twitter.com/6UXhCsG2Ko
Pippen asserts that individual accolades, like those amassed by LeBron, do not define greatness in basketball. To him, true greatness is about how well a player elevates their teammates and contributes to overall team success.
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“Magic Johnson, to me, is a bigger GOAT than anybody because of how he led, how he brought a whole team, how when the greatest scorer in the game, Kareem, was not there and him as a rookie steps in and plays a position that no one even knew he could play. That’s transcending what you can do as a player,” he added.
Scottie Pippen Acknowledged His Relationship With Michael Jordan
While Pippen played with MJ for a long period of time, his relationship with the NBA great was not all happy. He recently opened up about his complicated relationship with Jordan during an appearance on the Patrick Bet-David podcast. While reflecting on their time together with the Chicago Bulls, Pippen candidly stated that Jordan is a difficult person to deal with.
He hinted that the strong bond they once shared has changed significantly over the years. He also acknowledged that their relationship is not what it used to be and does not foresee it returning to its former state.
“I just think Michael is a very difficult person to deal with. I played with him for years, so I know that when it’s time for you to move in your direction, then go in your direction. “The relationship is not where it was or not what it used to be, and it’s never going to be the same. So why try and make something out of nothing? Or try to make something that was never there?” Pippen said.
Despite the tension between them, Pippen still recognizes Jordan’s greatness. In a separate discussion about who would dominate if the two superstars switched eras, Pippen chose Jordan over LeBron James. He noted that the physicality of their era would give Jordan an advantage in today’s open style of play.
