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, a retired American professional basketball player, is celebrated as one of the greatest small forwards in NBA history. He played 17 seasons, most notably with the Chicago Bulls, where he secured six NBA championships. Pippen's pivotal role alongside Michael Jordan significantly contributed to the Bulls' dynasty in the 1990s, boosting the NBA's global popularity. His defensive skills and all-around play were crucial to the Bulls' success.

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 in 23 minutes.

1988: NBA Playoffs Starting Position

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

1989: League's Premier Young Forwards

In 1989, Scottie Pippen emerged as one of the league's premier young forwards.

1989: Eastern Conference Finals

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

1990: 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: Emergence as a Primary Defensive Stopper

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

1990: Eastern Conference Finals Loss and Migraine

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

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, which was set to represent the United States of America in the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona.

1991: First NBA Championship

In 1991, Scottie Pippen and the Bulls defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals.

1992: Second NBA Championship

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

1992: Key Role on the 1992 Chicago Bulls Championship Team

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: Wins Gold Medal at Barcelona Olympics

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

1992: NBA Title and Olympic Gold Medal

In 1992, Scottie Pippen won an NBA title and an Olympic gold medal as part of the U.S. Olympic "Dream Team".

1993: Third NBA Championship

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

1993: Emerging from Jordan's Shadow

In 1993, following Michael Jordan's retirement, Scottie Pippen emerged from Jordan's shadow, earning All-Star Game MVP honors and leading the Bulls in multiple statistical categories.

1994: Led the league in steals

In 1994, Scottie Pippen led the league in steals during the 1994–95 season.

1994: NBA All-Star Game MVP

In 1994, Scottie Pippen was named the NBA All-Star Game MVP.

1994: Trade Rumors and Leading the Bulls

In 1994, trade rumors involving Scottie Pippen escalated. He finished the season leading the Bulls in every major statistical category.

1995: Best Regular-Season Record

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

November 1996: Pippen sets NBA plus-minus record

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

1996: Second NBA Title and Olympic Gold Medal

In 1996, Scottie Pippen again won an NBA title and an Olympic gold medal, being a key figure in the Olympic team.

1996: Plays on 'Dream Team III'

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

February 9, 1997: NBA All-Star Game

On February 9, 1997, Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan were selected among the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History, celebrated at halftime of the 1997 NBA All-Star Game. Pippen scored 8 points with 3 rebounds and 2 assists in 25 minutes, as the East defeated the West 132-120, with Glen Rice named MVP.

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.

2000: Trail Blazers Season

In 2000, Pippen averaged 12.5 points per game, 5 assists and 6.3 rebounds per game. The Trail Blazers clinched the second spot in the Pacific Division and the third spot in the Western Conference. They won against the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Utah Jazz, then faced the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Finals where the Lakers won 89-84, leading to their 2000 NBA Finals crowning.

February 3, 2003: Pippen leads Trail Blazers to victory

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

July 20, 2003: Pippen returns to Chicago Bulls

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

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.

October 5, 2004: Pippen announces retirement

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

December 8, 2005: Retirement of Number 33 by the Bulls

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. The ceremony reunited Pippen with Phil Jackson, Michael Jordan, Dennis Rodman, and Horace Grant.

January 2008: Brief Comeback to Professional Basketball

In January 2008, at age 42, Scottie Pippen made a brief comeback to professional basketball, touring Scandinavia and playing two games. On January 4, he scored 12 points for Torpan Pojat (ToPo) in a 93-81 win, and on January 5, he registered nine points and nine rebounds in a 98-85 win over Honka.

January 21, 2010: Retirement of Number 33 by the University of Central Arkansas

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

July 15, 2010: Returns to Bulls as Team Ambassador

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

March 12, 2011: Honoring the 1991 Chicago Bulls Championship team

On March 12, 2011, the Chicago Bulls organization honored the 1991 Chicago Bulls Championship team in a ceremony during halftime of a game versus the Utah Jazz. Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan both attended and participated in the celebration, where they were reunited with their former teammates.

2012: Named Senior Advisor

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

2015: Regular-Season Record Surpassed

In 2015-16 the regular-season record was broken by the Golden State Warriors.

April 16, 2020: Dismissed as Bulls Ambassador

On April 16, 2020, Scottie Pippen announced that he had been dismissed as a public relations ambassador for the Bulls in February because he and the Bulls could not agree on compensation, and he was unable to keep his role making regular TV appearances on ESPN's The Jump.