Michael Jordan Predicted Scottie Pippen’s 1994 Playoff Criticism

In ESPN’s “The Last Dance” series, Michael Jordan called Scottie Pippen his best teammate ever.

Championship Legacy:

Jordan and Pippen led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA titles in the ’90s, never losing a Finals. After their 1993 win, Jordan left basketball for baseball. During the 1993-94 season, Pippen became the team leader and shined with outstanding performances.

The Infamous Moment:

However, in the 1994 Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Knicks, Pippen made a huge mistake that would haunt him forever. Coach Phil Jackson designed a game-winning play for Toni Kukoc in Game 3. Upset by this decision, Pippen refused to play.

Jordan watched from afar and knew this moment would stick with Pippen forever. He said, “Scottie didn’t understand that…he’s going to be criticized the rest of his life for that.”

Kukoc hit the winning shot, but in the locker room afterward, Bill Cartwright confronted Pippen for not playing. Both men ended up crying.

Pippen did apologize and played well after that incident; however, they lost to the Knicks in seven games. Jordan was disappointed but thought it was good for Pippen to experience leading without him.

Jordan’s Reflections:

During his time away from basketball, Jordan told reporters he wished he could have been there to help Pippen through it all: “Poor Scottie…I wish I could have played just so I could have taught him.”

Despite everything, Pippen later admitted on “The Last Dance” that he would still refuse to go into that game if given another chance because he felt disrespected by not being chosen for the final shot.

Close Call Trade:

After their playoff loss in 1994, there were talks of trading Pippen to Seattle SuperSonics which almost happened but fell through at last minute.

The Comeback:

Jordan returned near end of 1994-95 season yet they lost again – this time against Orlando Magic – leading many experts doubting another championship win during their era together…but boy were they wrong!

Fans think it’s amazing how things turned around so quickly!

From 1996 through ’98 they won three more championships including an incredible record-setting season (72 wins). They silenced critics proving themselves as one best duos ever seen on court!

Both legends now honored at Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall Fame & United Center rafters hanging proudly above court where history was made…

Though unfortunate event occurred back then – bond between them remained strong enough bringing MJ back only because trade didn’t happen keeping dynamic duo intact!