Scottie Pippen Opens Up About 1994 Season, Believes He Was Equal to MJ: “Didn’t Always Have to Play in Michael’s Shadow

When Michael Jordan initially retired in 1993, Scottie Pippen found himself thrust into an unfamiliar role. Always the Robin to Jordan’s Batman, Pippen now assumed the responsibility of leading the Chicago Bulls in MJ’s absence. While Pippen had played the sidekick role seamlessly, doubts lingered about his ability to be the focal point of a team.

Those doubts dissipated after Pippen delivered an MVP-caliber performance in the 1994 season. Reflecting on this period, Pippen disclosed that proving his worth allowed him to shed the sidekick label and elevate himself to Jordan’s level.

“I enjoyed my growth and development as a player, as well as the leadership role that I had,” Pippen stated. “It was the first time for me to be the clear-cut star. I didn’t always have a chance to rise up when Michael was there, especially in my first three years. But by him stepping away a little bit, it gave me a little room to grow. And when he came back, it gave me an opportunity to stand beside him instead of standing below him.”

Despite Pippen missing 10 of the first 12 games due to an ankle injury, the Bulls, with new additions like Toni Kukoc, Luc Longley, and Steve Kerr adapting to the triangle system, surged in the latter part of the season. Chicago headed to the All-Star break with just five losses in their last 35 games. Pippen, during this remarkable stretch, secured his first All-Star Game MVP award.

While Pippen showcased career-high statistics in scoring (22.0 PPG), rebounding (8.7 RPG), and steals (2.9 SPG), leading the team in multiple categories, the Bulls finished the regular season with a 55-27 record, just two games shy of the previous season’s mark with Jordan at the helm.

Despite Pippen’s outstanding individual performance, the Bulls, now the third seed in the Eastern Conference, faced an early exit in the playoffs, succumbing to the New York Knicks in a hard-fought seven-game series during the second round.

Pippen’s impressive season earned him All-NBA First Team and NBA All-Defensive First Team honors. Though he finished third in the 1994 NBA MVP voting behind Hakeem Olajuwon and David Robinson, Pippen’s leadership and performance were lauded by head coach Phil Jackson.

While Pippen demonstrated his value during this season, Jordan’s return in the 1995 season marked the resurgence of his leadership. The Bulls went on to win three more championships from 1996 to 1998, with Jordan claiming Finals MVP honors each time. Jordan also secured league MVP accolades in 1996 and 1998, relegating Pippen once again to a secondary role, despite Pippen’s belief that they were equals during the second three-peat.