Career Timeline of Scottie Pippen: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Scottie Pippen, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Scottie Pippen is a retired American professional basketball player renowned for his 17 seasons in the NBA. Best known for his pivotal role with the Chicago Bulls, Pippen secured six NBA championships alongside Michael Jordan, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest small forwards ever. His contributions were instrumental in the Bulls' dominance during the 1990s, significantly boosting the NBA's global popularity. Pippen's defensive prowess, versatility, and playmaking skills made him an indispensable part of the Bulls' championship dynasty.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

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 with two steals, four assists, and one rebound in 23 minutes, contributing to a 104–94 victory.

1988: Playoff Starting Position

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

1989: Eastern Conference Finals

In 1989, the Bulls, with Scottie Pippen, reached the Eastern Conference Finals but were eliminated by the Detroit Pistons.

1990: Participation in Slam Dunk Contest

During the 1990 Slam Dunk Contest, Scottie Pippen exhibited his leaping ability with a dunk from the free-throw line.

1990: NBA All-Star Selection

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

1990: Improved Performance

In 1990, Scottie Pippen emerged as a primary defensive stopper and versatile scoring threat for the Bulls.

1990: Eastern Conference Finals Loss

In 1990, the Bulls, with Scottie Pippen, reached the Eastern Conference Finals but were eliminated by the Detroit Pistons. Pippen suffered a migraine during Game Seven.

September 21, 1991: Selection for the United States 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, set to represent the USA in the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona.

1991: First NBA Championship Anniversary

In 1991, Scottie Pippen was a member of the Chicago Bulls team that won their first NBA championship. In 2011, the team was honored to commemorate the 20th anniversary.

1991: NBA All-Defensive Second Team Honors

In 1991, Scottie Pippen was awarded NBA All-Defensive Second Team honors. The Bulls went on to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1991 NBA Finals.

1992: Second NBA Championship

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

1992: 1992 Chicago Bulls Championship

In 1992, 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.

1992: Participation in the Barcelona Olympics and NBA Championship

In 1992, Scottie Pippen played on the original Dream Team in the Olympics held in Barcelona, Spain, where the U.S. won the gold medal. Pippen and Michael Jordan became the first players to win both an NBA championship and an Olympic gold medal in the same year in 1992.

1992: 1992 Olympic Gold Medal

In 1992, Scottie Pippen won an NBA title and Olympic gold medal in the same year. He was a part of the 1992 U.S. Olympic "Dream Team".

1993: Third NBA Championship

In 1993, Scottie Pippen helped lead the Bulls to their third consecutive NBA Championship.

1993: Stepping Out of Jordan's Shadow

In 1993, after Michael Jordan's retirement, Scottie Pippen earned All-Star Game MVP honors and led the Bulls in multiple statistical categories.

1994: NBA All-Defensive Team Recognition

In 1994, Scottie Pippen continued his streak on the NBA All-Defensive Team. He made the team for ten consecutive years and also led the league in steals in 1994-95.

1994: Trade Rumors

In 1994, trade rumors involving Scottie Pippen escalated, with reports suggesting the Bulls' general manager was considering trading him to the Seattle SuperSonics. Also, Scottie Pippen finished the 1994 season leading the Bulls in every major statistical category.

1995: Return of Michael Jordan

In 1995, with the return of Michael Jordan and the addition of Dennis Rodman, the Bulls posted a record of 72-10.

1996: 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: Participation in 'Dream Team III'

In 1996, Scottie Pippen played on the 'Dream Team III' Olympic squad.

1996: 1996 Olympic Gold Medal

In 1996, Scottie Pippen won an NBA title and Olympic gold medal in the same year. He was a key figure in the 1996 Olympic team.

February 9, 1997: NBA All-Star Game

On February 9, 1997, Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan were honored among the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History during the halftime ceremony of the 1997 NBA All-Star Game. Pippen contributed 8 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists in 25 minutes during the game, where the East team defeated the West team 132–120, with Glen Rice being named the All-Star Game MVP.

1998: Trade Publicity

In 1998, Pippen's trade to Houston for the lockout-shortened 1998–99 season received much publicity, including his only solo cover of Sports Illustrated.

January 1999: Trade to the Houston Rockets

In January 1999, Scottie Pippen was traded to the Houston Rockets from the Chicago Bulls in a sign-and-trade deal for Roy Rogers and a second round pick in the 2000 NBA draft. Pippen's salary was $11 million, almost four times what it had been the previous season with the Chicago Bulls.

October 2, 1999: Traded to the 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, after expressing a desire to be traded from the Houston Rockets.

1999: Joins Portland Trail Blazers

In 1999, Scottie Pippen began playing for the Portland Trail Blazers, demonstrating his defensive skills alongside stars like Rasheed Wallace and Steve Smith.

2000: Playoff Run with Portland

In 2000, as a member of the Portland Trail Blazers, Scottie Pippen played a pivotal role in the team's playoff run. The Trail Blazers reached the Western Conference Finals where they faced the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite holding a 15-point lead in the 4th quarter of game 7, Portland lost the game 89-84 and with that, the series. Pippen had 12 points and 10 rebounds in the deciding game 7.

February 3, 2003: Willed Trail Blazers to a win

On February 3, 2003, at the age of 37, Scottie Pippen helped the Trail Blazers to a win over the Orlando Magic, with 25 points, 17 rebounds, and 7 assists.

July 20, 2003: Signed with Chicago Bulls

On July 20, 2003, Scottie Pippen signed a two-year, $10 million contract with the Chicago Bulls, returning to the team where he began his NBA career and won six championships.

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 with one rebound and three assists in eight minutes of play. The Bulls lost 109–97.

October 5, 2004: Retirement Announcement

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

2006: Miami Heat won the NBA finals

In 2006, Dwyane Wade, Finals MVP led Miami Heat in winning the NBA finals. After this event, he expressed support for Pippen's comeback.

2007: Attempted NBA Comeback

In 2007, at age 42, Scottie Pippen attempted to make an NBA comeback, expressing his desire to play for a championship contender to potentially win his 7th Championship ring. He had been working out in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

January 2008: Brief Comeback to Professional Basketball

In January 2008, Scottie Pippen made a brief comeback to professional basketball at age 42, touring Scandinavia and playing two games for Finnish and Swedish league teams. On January 4, 2008, he scored 12 points in ToPo's win over Porvoo, and on January 5, 2008, he registered nine points and nine rebounds in a win over Honka.

July 15, 2010: Return to the Bulls as Team Ambassador

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

March 12, 2011: 20th Anniversary of 1991 NBA Championship Commemoration

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. Pippen and Michael Jordan attended.

2012: Appointment as Senior Advisor

In 2012, Scottie Pippen was appointed as a senior advisor to Michael Reinsdorf, the Bulls' president and COO.

April 16, 2020: Dismissal as Bulls Public Relations Ambassador

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

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