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, 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

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.

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: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.