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 celebrated as one of the greatest small forwards ever. He spent 17 seasons in the NBA, most notably with the Chicago Bulls, where he won six NBA championships. Pippen's contributions were crucial in establishing the Bulls as a dominant force and boosting the NBA's global popularity throughout the 1990s. His defensive prowess, versatility, and partnership with Michael Jordan defined an era of basketball excellence.
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, and the Bulls won 104–94.
1988: NBA Playoffs
In 1988 NBA Playoffs, Scottie Pippen claimed the starting small forward position and helped the Jordan-led Bulls reach the conference semifinals for the first time in over a decade.
1989: Career Highs
In 1989, Scottie Pippen recorded then-career highs in points, rebounds, and field goal shooting and finished third in the league in steals.
1990: NBA All-Defensive Second Team Honors
In 1990, Pippen was awarded NBA All-Defensive Second Team honors.
1990: NBA All-Star Selection
In 1990, Scottie Pippen earned his debut NBA All-Star selection.
September 21, 1991: Selection to the Olympic "Dream Team"
On September 21, 1991, Pippen was announced as a member of the United States men's Olympic basketball team, set to participate in the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona.
1991: NBA All-Defensive Second Team Honors
For his efforts in the 1990-91 NBA season Pippen was awarded NBA All-Defensive Second Team honors, and the Bulls went on to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1991 NBA Finals.
1992: NBA Championship
In 1992, Pippen helped lead the Bulls to their first three-peat.
1992: Selection to Top 10 Teams in NBA History
In 1992, The Chicago Bulls Championship team, on which Pippen had played a key role, was selected as one of the Top 10 Teams in NBA History.
1993: NBA Championship
In 1993, Pippen helped lead the Bulls to their first three-peat.
1993: Ascension as Team Leader
In 1993, with Michael Jordan retired, Scottie Pippen emerged as the Bulls' leader, earning All-Star Game MVP honors and leading the team in multiple statistical categories.
1994: NBA All-Star Game MVP
In 1994, Scottie Pippen was named the NBA All-Star Game MVP, highlighting his individual achievements and leadership during that period.
1994: Trade Rumors and Team Leadership
In 1994, trade rumors involving Scottie Pippen escalated during the off-season. Pippen ended the season leading the Bulls in every major statistical category—points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks.
1995: Rodman Joins the Bulls
In 1995, Dennis Rodman joined the Bulls, leading to a record-breaking season.
1996: Second Olympic Appearance
In 1996, Pippen played on the 'Dream Team III' squad.
1996: Chicago Bulls Championship
In 1996, Scottie Pippen played a main role on the Chicago Bulls Championship team, which was later selected as one of the Top 10 Teams in NBA History.
1996: Olympic Gold Medal
In 1996, Scottie Pippen won an Olympic gold medal.
February 9, 1997: NBA All-Star Game
On February 9, 1997, Pippen participated in the NBA All-Star Game where he scored 8 points with 3 rebounds and 2 assists. The East team won 132-120 and Glen Rice was named MVP. He and Jordan were selected in the 50 greatest players in NBA history.
1998: Win Second Three-Peat
In 1998, Pippen joined Jordan in another Bulls run to the 1998 NBA Finals, where they bested the Jazz to win their second three-peat.
1998: Breakup of Bulls Dynasty
In 1998, The Bulls dynasty broke up, prompting Pippen to return for the 2003 season.
January 1999: Trade to the Houston Rockets
In January 1999, After eleven seasons with the Chicago Bulls, Pippen was traded to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Roy Rogers and a second round pick in the 2000 NBA draft.
October 2, 1999: Trade to Portland Trail Blazers
On October 2, 1999, Pippen was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Stacey Augmon, Kelvin Cato, Ed Gray, Carlos Rogers, Brian Shaw and Walt Williams.
1999: New Role with the Trail Blazers
In 1999, Pippen played for the Portland Trail Blazers, demonstrating his defensive capabilities.
2000: Playoff Run with Portland
In 2000, Pippen started in all 82 games averaging 12.5 points per game, 5 assists and 6.3 rebounds per game. The Trail Blazers reached the Western Conference Finals, losing to the Lakers.
February 3, 2003: Willed the Trail Blazers to a Win
On February 3, 2003, at 37 years old, Pippen willed the Trail Blazers to a win over the Orlando Magic with 25 points, 17 rebounds, and 7 assists.
July 20, 2003: Return to the Chicago Bulls
On July 20, 2003, Pippen signed a two-year, $10 million contract to return to the Chicago Bulls.
February 2, 2004: Final NBA Game
On February 2, 2004, 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: Retirement Announcement
On October 5, 2004, Pippen officially announced his retirement from the NBA.
December 9, 2005: Jersey Retirement Ceremony
On December 9, 2005, the Chicago Bulls retired Pippen's jersey number in a ceremony where he was reunited with Phil Jackson, Michael Jordan, Dennis Rodman, and Horace Grant.
2006: Miami Heat Win Championship
In 2006, The Miami Heat won championship, which may had made Pippen have the idea of an NBA comeback.
2007: Attempted NBA Comeback
In 2007, Pippen attempted to make an NBA comeback to play for a championship contender.
January 2008: Brief Professional Basketball Comeback in Scandinavia
In January 2008, at age 42, Pippen made a brief comeback to professional basketball, touring Scandinavia and playing two games for teams in Finland and Sweden.
July 15, 2010: Returns to the Bulls as Team Ambassador
On July 15, 2010, Scottie Pippen returned to the Chicago Bulls as a team ambassador, marking a new chapter in his relationship with the organization.
April 16, 2020: Dismissal as Bulls Ambassador
On April 16, 2020, Scottie Pippen announced he had been dismissed as a public relations ambassador for the Bulls due to disagreements over compensation and media appearances.
