History of Scottie Pippen in Timeline

Scottie Pippen is a retired American professional basketball player, widely recognized as one of the greatest small forwards in NBA history. He spent 17 seasons in the league, most notably with the Chicago Bulls, where he secured six NBA championships. Pippen's contributions were vital to the Bulls' success and global popularity during the 1990s.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1920: Birth of Preston Pippen

In 1920, Preston Pippen, Scottie Pippen's father, was born.

1923: Birth of Ethel Pippen

In 1923, Ethel Pippen, Scottie Pippen's mother, was born.

September 25, 1965: Scottie Pippen's Birth

On September 25, 1965, Scotty Maurice Pippen Sr., known as Scottie Pippen, was born. He would later become a professional basketball player, winning six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls and establishing himself as one of the greatest small forwards of all time.

1972: Phil Jackson Fined for Comparing Loss to 1972 Olympics

Following a controversial foul call in Game 5 against the Knicks, Chicago Bulls head coach Phil Jackson was fined $10,000 for comparing the loss to the gold medal game controversy at the 1972 Summer Olympics.

1977: Dave Cowens Achieves Statistical Feat

In 1977-78, Dave Cowens accomplished the feat of leading his team in every major statistical category, a feat Scottie Pippen would later match in 1994.

1986: NAIA All-American Honors

In 1986, Scottie Pippen earned consensus NAIA All-American honors for his performance at the University of Central Arkansas.

November 7, 1987: NBA Debut

On November 7, 1987, Scottie Pippen made his NBA debut with the Chicago Bulls against the Philadelphia 76ers, scoring 10 points, recording two steals, four assists and one rebound. The Bulls won the game 104-94.

1987: Second NAIA All-American Honors

In 1987, Scottie Pippen earned his second consensus NAIA All-American honors for his performance at the University of Central Arkansas.

1988: Playoff Starting Role

In 1988, Scottie Pippen became the starting small forward during the NBA Playoffs, helping the Chicago Bulls reach the conference semifinals.

1989: Career Highs

During the 1989-1990 season, Scottie Pippen recorded career highs in points (16.5 points per game) and rebounds (6.7 rebounds per game).

1989: Eastern Conference Finals Appearance

In 1989, Scottie Pippen and the Chicago Bulls reached the Eastern Conference Finals, where they were eliminated by the Detroit Pistons.

1990: Emergence as a Key Player

During the 1990-91 NBA season, Scottie Pippen emerged as the Bulls' primary defensive stopper and a versatile scoring threat.

1990: Death of Preston Pippen

In 1990, Preston Pippen, Scottie Pippen's father, passed away.

1990: Eastern Conference Finals Loss and Migraine

In 1990, Scottie Pippen and the Chicago Bulls reached the Eastern Conference Finals again, but were once again eliminated by the Detroit Pistons. Pippen suffered a severe migraine headache at the start of Game Seven, impacting his play.

1990: NBA All-Star Selection

In 1990, Scottie Pippen earned his debut NBA All-Star selection.

September 21, 1991: Named to US Olympic Basketball Team

On September 21, 1991, Scottie Pippen was announced as one of the members of the United States men's Olympic basketball team. This team was set to represent the United States of America in the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona.

1991: NBA Championship and All-Defensive Honors

In 1991, Scottie Pippen won his first NBA Championship with the Chicago Bulls and was awarded NBA All-Defensive Second Team honors.

1992: Second NBA Championship

In 1992, Scottie Pippen helped lead the Chicago Bulls to their second consecutive NBA championship.

1992: Olympic Gold Medal with the Dream Team

In 1992, Scottie Pippen won an Olympic gold medal as part of the U.S. Olympic "Dream Team," which dominated its opponents.

1993: Third NBA Championship

In 1993, Scottie Pippen helped lead the Chicago Bulls to their third consecutive NBA championship, completing their first three-peat.

1993: Emergence from Jordan's Shadow

In 1993, following Michael Jordan's retirement, Scottie Pippen led the Bulls in scoring, assists, and blocks, earning All-Star Game MVP honors.

May 13, 1994: Refusal to Enter Game 3

On May 13, 1994, during Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the New York Knicks, Scottie Pippen refused to re-enter the game in the final seconds due to his disagreement with the coach's play design, resulting in controversy.

1994: NBA All-Star Game MVP

In 1994, Scottie Pippen was named the NBA All-Star Game MVP, marking a significant achievement in his career.

1994: Trade Rumors and Leading the Bulls in Statistics

In 1994, trade rumors involving Scottie Pippen escalated, but he remained with the Bulls. Scottie Pippen led the Bulls in every major statistical category, including points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks.

1995: Record-Breaking Season

In the 1995-96 season, with the return of Michael Jordan and the addition of Dennis Rodman, the Bulls posted a record of 72-10, which was the best regular-season record in NBA history at the time.

November 1996: Pippen sets NBA plus-minus record

In November 1996, Scottie Pippen set the NBA single-month plus-minus record of 272.

1996: Chicago Bulls Championship

In 1996, Scottie Pippen played a main role on the Chicago Bulls Championship team, which was selected as one of the Top 10 Teams in NBA History.

1996: Second Olympic Gold Medal

In 1996, Scottie Pippen won his second Olympic gold medal, playing a key role on the U.S. Olympic team.

February 9, 1997: NBA All-Star Game Ceremony

On February 9, 1997, Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan were selected among the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History as part of the league celebrating its 50th season. The ceremony was held at half-time of the 1997 NBA All-Star Game. Pippen finished with 8 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists in 25 minutes of play. The East defeated the West 132–120 and Glen Rice was crowned the All-Star Game MVP.

April 22, 1999: Pippen Detained by Police

On April 22, 1999, Scottie Pippen was detained by police on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, but the charges were later dropped due to insufficient evidence.

October 2, 1999: Pippen traded to Portland Trail Blazers

On October 2, 1999, Scottie Pippen was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Stacey Augmon, Kelvin Cato, Ed Gray, Carlos Rogers, Brian Shaw and Walt Williams.

2002: Kevin Garnett Achieves Statistical Feat

In 2002-03, Kevin Garnett accomplished the feat of leading his team in every major statistical category, a feat Scottie Pippen had previously achieved in 1994.

July 20, 2003: Pippen signs with Chicago Bulls

On July 20, 2003, Scottie Pippen signed a two-year, $10 million contract with the Chicago Bulls.

February 2, 2004: Final NBA Game

On February 2, 2004, Scottie Pippen played the final game of his NBA career against the Seattle SuperSonics, scoring two points.

October 5, 2004: Pippen Announces Retirement

On October 5, 2004, Scottie Pippen officially announced his retirement from professional basketball.

December 8, 2005: Chicago Bulls Jersey Retirement

On December 8, 2005, the Chicago Bulls retired Scottie Pippen's number 33.

December 9, 2005: Jersey Retirement Ceremony

On December 9, 2005, the Chicago Bulls retired Scottie Pippen's jersey number 33 in a ceremony. During the ceremony, Pippen was reunited with Phil Jackson, Michael Jordan, Dennis Rodman, and Horace Grant.

January 2008: Pippen Makes Comeback in Scandinavia

In January 2008, at age 42, Scottie Pippen made a brief comeback to professional basketball, touring Scandinavia and playing two games; one for Finnish team Torpan Pojat (ToPo) and another for Swedish team Sundsvall.

2008: LeBron James Achieves Statistical Feat

In 2008-09, LeBron James accomplished the feat of leading his team in every major statistical category, a feat Scottie Pippen had previously achieved in 1994.

January 21, 2010: University of Central Arkansas Jersey Retirement

On January 21, 2010, the University of Central Arkansas retired Scottie Pippen's number 33.

July 15, 2010: Return to Bulls as Team Ambassador

On July 15, 2010, Scottie Pippen returned to the Chicago Bulls as a team ambassador.

August 13, 2010: Induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

On August 13, 2010, Scottie Pippen was simultaneously inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame for both his individual career and as a member of the "Dream Team".

March 12, 2011: Honoring 1991 Chicago Bulls Championship team

On March 12, 2011, the Chicago Bulls organization honored the 1991 Chicago Bulls Championship team in a halftime ceremony during a game versus the Utah Jazz to commemorate the 20th anniversary of their first NBA Championship in 1991. Pippen and Michael Jordan both attended and participated in the celebration.

March 17, 2011: Announcement of Bronze Statue

On March 17, 2011, the Chicago Bulls organization announced that they would honor Pippen with a bronze statue which will be placed inside of the Bulls' home arena, the United Center.

April 7, 2011: Unveiling of Bronze Statue

On April 7, 2011, Pippen's statue was unveiled during a halftime ceremony of a game between the Chicago Bulls and the Boston Celtics.

July 11, 2013: $4 million lawsuit filed against Pippen

On July 11, 2013, Camran Shafighi filed a $4 million lawsuit against Pippen in Los Angeles Superior Court over an incident that had occurred on June 23 at the restaurant Nobu in Malibu, California.

2015: Record Surpassed

In 2015-16, the Golden State Warriors surpassed the Chicago Bulls' 1995-96 record of 72-10, achieving a new best regular-season record in NBA history.

2016: Death of Ethel Pippen

In 2016, Ethel Pippen, Scottie Pippen's mother, passed away.

2016: Giannis Antetokounmpo Achieves Statistical Feat

In 2016-17, Giannis Antetokounmpo accomplished the feat of leading his team in every major statistical category, a feat Scottie Pippen had previously achieved in 1994.

April 16, 2020: Dismissal as Bulls Ambassador

On April 16, 2020, Scottie Pippen stated he was dismissed as a public relations ambassador for the Bulls in February due to a disagreement on compensation and his role on ESPN's The Jump.

October 2021: NBA 75th Anniversary Team Selection

In October 2021, Scottie Pippen was honored as one of the league's greatest players of all time by being named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.

2021: Nikola Jokić Achieves Statistical Feat

In 2021-22, Nikola Jokić accomplished the feat of leading his team in every major statistical category, a feat Scottie Pippen had previously achieved in 1994.