Pierre Haessig / ESPN (DR)
By Guillaume K.| Sports journalist
Long before LeBron James became the epitome of versatility, Scottie Pippen set the standard for the all-around winger who elevated his teammates. This similarity has sparked comparisons for decades, and now, the legendary No.33 has weighed in with his viewpoint.
Playing alongside Michael Jordan was both a blessing and a challenge for Scottie Pippen. On one hand,he secured six championship rings with the iconic No. 23 and remains a pivotal figure in one of the greatest dynasties in basketball history. pippen’s versatility allowed him to fill the gaps in Jordan’s game, making him an indispensable part of the Chicago Bulls’ success.
On the other hand, Jordan’s overwhelming dominance often overshadowed Pippen’s contributions. While he is frequently hailed as the greatest sidekick in NBA history, he is seldom mentioned among the league’s elite players. Despite his inclusion in the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team, Pippen’s legacy doesn’t always reflect the full extent of his impact on the court.
Pippen’s Take on the LeBron James Comparison
This hasn’t dampened Pippen’s confidence, though.During a recent appearance on the “PDB Podcast,” the Hall of Famer was asked about the parallels drawn between him and LeBron James, another paragon of versatility in the NBA. Pippen asserted that any team aiming for championships should look to his career as a blueprint, not LeBron’s:
My collective success in Chicago surpasses LeBron’s achievements. I have six rings. If you asked an NBA owner who they’d want to build their team around, I’m not sure who they’d pick. Would they prefer a player with individual accolades or one with multiple championships? I never had to chase my titles—they came naturally.
Pippen’s career was defined by his ability to thrive in Jordan’s shadow, a stark contrast to LeBron’s journey as the focal point of every team he’s led. Pippen embraced his role, adjusted his playing style, and secured more titles than LeBron—all with a single franchise. This bold statement has ignited heated debates across social media platforms.
@PovertyFan24 : The same fans who used Pippen’s words to argue LeBron is better than Kobe will now try to discredit him 😂
@George8644Tai : Scottie knows LeBron took shortcuts to win his rings lol
@Underrated_Dom : He can say what he wants, but Scottie isn’t in the GOAT conversation.
While Pippen doesn’t claim to be inherently superior to LeBron James, he emphasizes his ability to deliver when it mattered most.Additionally, he highlights his loyalty to one franchise as a key factor in the debate.
Hall of famer in his own right. On the other, his contributions were often overshadowed by Jordan’s larger-than-life legacy. Now, in a recent interview, Pippen has shared his thoughts on the ongoing comparisons between himself and LeBron James, two of the most versatile forwards in NBA history.
Pippen’s Legacy as the Original All-Around wing
Scottie Pippen’s career with the Chicago Bulls is often remembered for his role as Michael Jordan’s sidekick. However, Pippen was much more than that. Standing at 6’8” with exceptional athleticism, court vision, and defensive prowess, Pippen revolutionized the role of the wing player. He was a lockdown defender,a capable playmaker,and a reliable scorer who could impact the game in multiple ways. His versatility laid the foundation for what modern NBA wings like LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, and Giannis Antetokounmpo have become.
“Scottie was the prototype,” said a former NBA coach.“He could guard any position, run the offense, and still score when needed. He made everyone around him better.”
LeBron James: The Evolution of the Versatile Forward
LeBron James, often referred to as the “chosen one,” has taken the concept of versatility to unprecedented heights. At 6’9” and 250 pounds, LeBron combines size, speed, and basketball IQ in a way that few players in history can match. Over his 20+ year career, LeBron has been a dominant scorer, an elite playmaker, and a versatile defender. he has led his teams to four NBA championships and has been named MVP four times.
“LeBron is the evolution of what Scottie started,” said an NBA analyst. “He’s bigger, stronger, and has taken on more responsibility, but the blueprint was there with Pippen.”
Pippen’s Take on the Comparison
In a recent interview, Scottie pippen was asked about the comparisons between himself and LeBron James. The Bulls legend was gracious but also confident in his own legacy.
“LeBron is one of the greatest to ever play the game, and I have a lot of respect for what he’s accomplished,” Pippen said. “But I think I set the standard for what a versatile wing player could be. I didn’t have the physicality that LeBron has, but I made up for it with my IQ, my defense, and my ability to adapt to any situation on the court.”
Pippen also highlighted the differences in their roles. “I was fortunate to play alongside Michael Jordan, who demanded the spotlight, but that allowed me to focus on doing all the little things that helped us win. LeBron has been the focal point of every team he’s played on, and that’s a different kind of pressure.”
The Debate: Who Was More Influential?
The comparison between Scottie Pippen and LeBron James is not about who is the better player—LeBron’s accolades and longevity make that a arduous argument for anyone. Rather, it’s about who had a greater impact on the evolution of the game.
Pippen’s influence is undeniable. He showed that a wing player could be a primary playmaker, a defensive anchor, and a complementary scorer.LeBron, though, has taken that blueprint and expanded it, becoming a one-man offense and redefining what it means to be a complete basketball player.
“Both players changed the game in their own way,” said a basketball historian. “Scottie set the standard, and LeBron raised the bar. It’s a testament to how the game has evolved.”
Conclusion
Scottie Pippen and LeBron James are two of the most iconic and versatile forwards in NBA history. While Pippen laid the groundwork for the modern all-around wing, LeBron has taken that role to new heights. The comparisons between the two are inevitable, but as Pippen himself noted, their careers were shaped by different circumstances and challenges.
Ultimately, both players have left an indelible mark on the game of basketball. Pippen’s legacy as the original “do-it-all” wing and LeBron’s status as one of the greatest to ever play the game are testaments to their unique talents and contributions. As debates continue, one thing is certain: the NBA has been richer for having both Scottie Pippen and LeBron james grace the court.
