In a surprising revelation, NBA legend Michael Jordan reached out to Scottie Pippen following the release of the much-discussed docuseries “The Last Dance” in 2020. After learning that Pippen felt unhappy about how he was portrayed, Jordan sent a text message to his former teammate. In Pippen’s own words, “The text was from Michael. He didn’t reach out very often. ‘What’s up, dude? I’m getting word that you’re upset with me. Love to talk about it if you have time.’ Unfortunately, my schedule was packed that evening, and I anticipated that the conversation would take some time. So, I responded an hour and a half later, saying, ‘Let’s talk tomorrow.'”
“The Last Dance” chronicled the Chicago Bulls’ triumphant 1997-98 season, but many fans and players felt it disproportionately celebrated Jordan at the expense of his teammates. Pippen expressed his frustration, stating, “Michael was right. I was upset with him. It was because of The Last Dance. The final two episodes aired on May 17 and, much like the earlier episodes, they exalted Michael while failing to adequately honor me and my teammates. A large part of the blame falls on him, as he had editorial control over the final product. He was not just the star; he was effectively the director.”
Jordan and Pippen shared an extraordinary partnership that led them to six NBA championships, including two three-peats, establishing themselves as perhaps the greatest duo in the sport’s history. However, their relationship has deteriorated over time, with Pippen pointing out that even when the series touched on his challenging background, the narrative quickly shifted back to Jordan’s journey and relentless ambition. Pippen felt minimized, describing himself as a mere “prop” in the overarching story of Jordan’s career, and noted that throughout the series, he and his teammates were frequently overshadowed by Jordan’s star power.
Pippen’s resentment also stemmed from a sense of unfair treatment, stating, “Each episode reinforced the idea of Michael on a pedestal, while his teammates remained secondary. Despite our contributions to the team’s victories, we were often blamed when things went wrong. Michael could have a poor shooting night and still be viewed as the flawless player.” Pippen’s frustration culminated in his direct response to Jordan two days after receiving his message, where he articulated his disappointment. He pointedly told Jordan that the documentary seemed more like a vehicle for promoting his brand rather than a balanced representation of their shared accomplishments.
The saga of the Chicago Bulls’ glory days is still a topic of intense interest, but it’s clear that the personal dynamics between its key figures, particularly Jordan and Pippen, are complex and fraught with tension. Pippen, recalling the time he spent alongside Jordan, expressed disdain for being labeled “Robin” to Jordan’s “Batman,” emphasizing that it was dismissive of his contributions and his intense dedication to the game. As the legacy of these two legends continues to be debated, their stories serve as a reminder of the challenges that can arise even among those who achieve remarkable success together.