"Scottie" Pippen, a renowned figure in American basketball, dedicated 17 seasons to the NBA, notably clinching six championships with the Chicago Bulls. His exceptional skills as a small forward solidified his place among the all-time greats. Pippen's contribution to the Bulls' dynasty during the 1990s not only brought them championship glory but also propelled the NBA into global recognition.
1920: Preston Pippen, Scottie Pippen's Father, is Born
Preston Pippen, Scottie Pippen's father, was born in 1920.
1923: Ethel Pippen, Scottie Pippen's Mother, is Born
Ethel Pippen, Scottie Pippen's mother, was born in 1923.
September 25, 1965: Scottie Pippen is born
Scottie Maurice Pippen Sr. was born on September 25, 1965. He would become a renowned American professional basketball player.
1972: The 1972 Olympics Controversy
Amidst a controversial game, Chicago Bulls head coach Phil Jackson referenced the controversial gold medal basketball game at the 1972 Summer Olympics.
1977: Pippen's Statistical Dominance
In 1977, Dave Cowens achieved a historic feat by leading his team in all major statistical categories. This achievement was later matched by Pippen in 1994, Kevin Garnett (2002–03), LeBron James (2008–09), Giannis Antetokounmpo (2016–17), and Nikola Jokić (2021–22).
1986: Scottie Pippen Earns Consensus NAIA All-American Honors
In 1986, Scottie Pippen earned consensus NAIA All-American honors for his performance playing college basketball at the University of Central Arkansas.
November 7, 1987: Scottie Pippen Makes NBA Debut
Scottie Pippen made his NBA debut on November 7, 1987 with the Chicago Bulls, who played against the Philadelphia 76ers. He had 10 points, two steals, four assists, and one rebound in 23 minutes of play. The Bulls won 104–94.
1987: Scottie Pippen Earns Consensus NAIA All-American Honors
In 1987, Scottie Pippen earned consensus NAIA All-American honors for his performance playing college basketball at the University of Central Arkansas. His skills drew the attention of NBA scouts.
1987: Birth of Antron Pippen
Scottie Pippen's son, Antron Pippen, was born in 1987.
1988: Scottie Pippen Starts for the Chicago Bulls in the NBA Playoffs
Scottie Pippen became the starting small forward for the Chicago Bulls during the 1988 NBA Playoffs, helping the team reach the conference semifinals.
1988: Marriage to Karen McCollum
Scottie Pippen married Karen McCollum in 1988.
1989: Scottie Pippen Becomes One of the League's Premier Young Forwards
By 1989, Scottie Pippen had emerged as one of the NBA's premier young forwards.
1989: Chicago Bulls Reach the Eastern Conference Finals
In 1989, the Chicago Bulls, including Scottie Pippen, reached the Eastern Conference Finals but were eliminated by the Detroit Pistons.
1990: Scottie Pippen Makes NBA All-Star Debut
In 1990, Scottie Pippen was selected to his first NBA All-Star game. That year he also finished third in the league in steals (211).
1990: Chicago Bulls Reach the Eastern Conference Finals
In 1990, the Chicago Bulls, including Scottie Pippen, reached the Eastern Conference Finals but were eliminated by the Detroit Pistons.
1990: Preston Pippen, Scottie Pippen's Father, Passes Away
Preston Pippen, Scottie Pippen's father, passed away in 1990.
1990: Divorce from Karen McCollum
Scottie Pippen and Karen McCollum divorced in 1990.
1990: Pippen Showcases Athleticism in Slam Dunk Contest
Scottie Pippen participated in the 1990 Slam Dunk Contest, demonstrating his leaping ability.
1990: Scottie Pippen Named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team
Scottie Pippen was awarded NBA All-Defensive Second Team honors for his performance in the 1990-1991 NBA season.
September 21, 1991: Pippen Named to the 1992 US Olympic Basketball Team
On September 21, 1991, Scottie Pippen was announced as a member of the 1992 US men's Olympic basketball team.
1991: Chicago Bulls Win Their First NBA Championship
The Chicago Bulls, led by Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, won their first NBA championship in 1991.
1991: Chicago Bulls Win the NBA Finals
In 1991, the Chicago Bulls, including Scottie Pippen, defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals.
1992: Scottie Pippen Wins Olympic Gold with the "Dream Team"
In 1992, Scottie Pippen was part of the U.S. Olympic "Dream Team" that won the gold medal, beating its opponents by an average of 44 points.
1992: Scottie Pippen Helps Lead the Chicago Bulls to Championship
Scottie Pippen played a main role in the 1992 Chicago Bulls Championship team, which was later selected as one of the Top 10 Teams in NBA History.
1992: Recognition for the 1992 Bulls
The 1992 Chicago Bulls, on which Pippen played an important role, were honored as one of the Top 10 Teams in NBA History at the NBA's 50th-anniversary celebration.
1992: Chicago Bulls Win NBA Championship
The Chicago Bulls, with the help of Scottie Pippen, won the NBA Championship in 1992. This was the start of their first three-peat.
1993: Pippen's Emergence as a Leader
In 1993, after Michael Jordan's first retirement, Scottie Pippen stepped up as the Bulls' leader. He excelled on both ends of the court, leading the team in scoring, assists, and blocks while ranking second in steals per game. His performance earned him All-Star Game MVP honors, his first of three consecutive All-NBA First Team selections, and a third-place finish in MVP voting.
1993: Chicago Bulls Win NBA Championship
The Chicago Bulls, with the help of Scottie Pippen, won the NBA Championship in 1993. This was the second win in their first three-peat.
May 13, 1994: The Refusal to Play
On May 13, 1994, during Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the New York Knicks, Pippen refused to re-enter the game in the final seconds. He was angered that coach Phil Jackson designed the last play for Toni Kukoč instead of him. Although Kukoč made the game-winning shot, the incident highlighted tensions within the team.
1994: Trade Rumors and Jordan's Return
Trade rumors surrounded Pippen during the 1994 off-season, with the Bulls considering trading him to the Seattle SuperSonics. Pippen himself expressed a desire to be traded. However, the rumors ended with Michael Jordan's return to the Bulls. Despite leading the Bulls in all major statistical categories in 1994, Pippen and the team struggled without Jordan and faced the risk of missing the playoffs.
1994: Scottie Pippen Wins NBA All-Star Game MVP
Scottie Pippen was named the NBA All-Star Game MVP in 1994.
1994: Birth of Twin Daughters, Death of Tyler Roby
Scottie Pippen's twin daughters, Taylor and Tyler Roby, were born to his former girlfriend Sonya Roby in 1994. Tragically, Tyler Roby passed away nine days after birth.
1994: Pippen Leads the NBA in Steals
Scottie Pippen led the NBA in steals during the 1994-1995 season.
1995: Birth of Daughter
Scottie Pippen had a daughter with his former fiancée, Yvette De Leon, in 1995.
1995: A Historic Season and Dual Championship
The Bulls, with the return of Jordan and addition of Dennis Rodman, achieved the best regular-season record in NBA history at that time (72-10) in 1995-96. They won their fourth championship against the Seattle SuperSonics. Pippen made history as the first person to win an NBA championship and Olympic gold medal in the same year twice, having previously achieved this feat in 1992.
November 1996: Pippen Sets NBA Plus-Minus Record
Pippen set the NBA single-month plus-minus record with an impressive +272 in November 1996.
1996: Pippen's Career-High and Challenges
Despite a strong season, the Bulls faced challenges in 1996 as key players, including Bill Wennington, Dennis Rodman, and Toni Kukoč, suffered injuries. Despite these setbacks, Pippen helped lead the Bulls to a league-best 69-13 record, narrowly missing out on a second consecutive 70-win season. Pippen achieved a career-high 47 points in a game against the Denver Nuggets that season.
1996: Scottie Pippen Helps Lead the Chicago Bulls to Championship
Scottie Pippen played a main role in the 1996 Chicago Bulls Championship team, which was later selected as one of the Top 10 Teams in NBA History.
1996: Scottie Pippen Wins Second Olympic Gold Medal
Scottie Pippen was a key figure in the 1996 U.S. Olympic team that won the gold medal alongside other notable NBA stars like Karl Malone, John Stockton, Charles Barkley, and David Robinson.
1996: Pippen Competes on "Dream Team III"
Scottie Pippen was also part of the 1996 US Olympic basketball team, known as "Dream Team III".
February 9, 1997: NBA's 50th Anniversary Celebration
The NBA celebrated its 50th anniversary during the 1997 All-Star Game festivities. Pippen and Jordan were honored as two of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History. Phil Jackson was recognized as one of the 10 Greatest Coaches, and the 1992 and 1996 Chicago Bulls championship teams were named among the Top 10 Teams in NBA History.
1997: Start of Pippen's final season with the Chicago Bulls
The 1997-98 NBA season was widely speculated to be Scottie Pippen's last with the Chicago Bulls, alongside teammates Michael Jordan and coach Phil Jackson. Notably, Pippen delayed off-season surgery, impacting his availability during the regular season.
1997: Marriage to Larsa Pippen
Scottie Pippen married Larsa Pippen in 1997.
1998: Breakup of the Bulls Dynasty
The Chicago Bulls dynasty ended in 1998.
1998: Pippen's second three-peat with the Chicago Bulls
In 1998, despite ongoing trade talks and a delayed return to the court due to surgery, Scottie Pippen rejoined the Chicago Bulls without a contract renegotiation. Alongside Michael Jordan, he helped secure their second three-peat victory against the Utah Jazz in the NBA Finals.
1998: Publicity surrounding Pippen's trade
Scottie Pippen's trade to the Houston Rockets for the lockout-shortened 1998–99 season was a major media event. It even garnered Pippen his first solo cover on Sports Illustrated. The Rockets made significant salary cap adjustments to accommodate his $11 million salary.
January 1999: Pippen traded to the Houston Rockets
In January 1999, after eleven seasons with the Chicago Bulls, Scottie Pippen was traded to the Houston Rockets. The deal, a sign-and-trade exchange for Roy Rogers and a future draft pick, marked the end of Pippen's era with the Bulls.
April 22, 1999: Pippen detained for DUI
On April 22, 1999, Scottie Pippen faced legal trouble when he was detained by police on suspicion of driving under the influence. However, the charges were subsequently dropped due to a lack of sufficient evidence.
October 2, 1999: Pippen traded to the Portland Trail Blazers
On October 2, 1999, Scottie Pippen was traded from the Houston Rockets to the Portland Trail Blazers. The trade came after Pippen's expressed desire to leave the Rockets, fueled by on-court chemistry issues and public criticism from teammate Charles Barkley.
1999: Pippen joins the Portland Trail Blazers
Scottie Pippen began the 1999-2000 NBA season with the Portland Trail Blazers, joining forces with stars like Rasheed Wallace and Steve Smith.
2000: Pippen's return to Chicago and playoff run with Portland
During the 1999-2000 season, Scottie Pippen experienced an emotional return to Chicago, receiving a tribute video for his time with the Bulls. Despite a strong playoff run with the Portland Trail Blazers, including a game-winning shot against the Utah Jazz, they fell to the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Finals.
2000: Pippen sidelined with tendinitis
In the 2000-01 NBA season, Scottie Pippen, playing for the Portland Trail Blazers, was sidelined for 18 games due to tendinitis in his right elbow, significantly impacting his performance on the court.
2002: Pippen's Statistical Dominance
In 1994 Pippen became the second player in NBA history to lead his team in all five major statistical categories in a season. He matched a feat previously accomplished by Dave Cowens in 1977 and subsequently by Kevin Garnett in 2002, LeBron James in 2008, Giannis Antetokounmpo in 2016, and Nikola Jokić in 2021.
2002: Pippen Leaves Portland
After the 2002-2003 season, Scottie Pippen left the Portland Trail Blazers.
February 3, 2003: Pippen's impressive performance against Orlando Magic
At 37 years old, on February 3, 2003, Scottie Pippen led the Portland Trail Blazers to a win against the Orlando Magic with a remarkable performance of 25 points, 17 rebounds, and 7 assists.
July 20, 2003: Pippen Returns to Chicago Bulls
On July 20, 2003, Scottie Pippen signed a two-year, $10 million contract with the Chicago Bulls, marking his return to the team where he had won six championships.
February 2, 2004: Pippen's Final NBA Game
Scottie Pippen played his final NBA game on February 2, 2004, against the Seattle SuperSonics.
October 5, 2004: Pippen Announces Retirement
On October 5, 2004, Scottie Pippen officially announced his retirement from the NBA.
December 8, 2005: Chicago Bulls Retire Scottie Pippen's Number 33
On December 8, 2005, the Chicago Bulls retired Scottie Pippen's number 33.
December 9, 2005: Bulls Retire Pippen's Number
On December 9, 2005, the Chicago Bulls retired Scottie Pippen's jersey number 33.
2006: Dwyane Wade Supports Pippen's Comeback
Dwyane Wade, the Finals MVP of the 2006 NBA Finals, expressed support for Scottie Pippen's potential comeback.
2007: Pippen Attempts Comeback
In 2007, Scottie Pippen attempted an NBA comeback, hoping to play for a championship contender.
January 2008: Pippen's Brief Return to Professional Basketball
At age 42, in January 2008, Scottie Pippen made a brief return to professional basketball, playing two games in Scandinavia.
2008: Pippen's Statistical Dominance
In 1994 Pippen became the second player in NBA history to lead his team in all five major statistical categories in a season. He matched a feat previously accomplished by Dave Cowens in 1977 and subsequently by Kevin Garnett in 2002, LeBron James in 2008, Giannis Antetokounmpo in 2016, and Nikola Jokić in 2021.
January 21, 2010: University of Central Arkansas Retires Scottie Pippen's Number 33
On January 21, 2010, the University of Central Arkansas retired Scottie Pippen's number 33.
July 15, 2010: Pippen Returns to the Bulls as an Ambassador
Scottie Pippen returned to the Chicago Bulls as a team ambassador on July 15, 2010.
August 13, 2010: Scottie Pippen Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
On August 13, 2010, Scottie Pippen was 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: Chicago Bulls Honor 1991 Championship Team
On March 12, 2011, the Chicago Bulls celebrated the 20th anniversary of their 1991 NBA Championship, with Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan in attendance.
March 17, 2011: Chicago Bulls to Honor Pippen with Bronze Statue
On March 17, 2011, the Chicago Bulls announced their decision to honor Scottie Pippen with a bronze statue to be placed at the United Center, the team's home arena.
April 7, 2011: Unveiling of Scottie Pippen's Statue
On April 7, 2011, the bronze statue of Scottie Pippen was unveiled during a halftime ceremony at a Chicago Bulls game against the Boston Celtics.
2012: Pippen Becomes Senior Advisor to Bulls' President
In 2012, Scottie Pippen was named senior advisor to Michael Reinsdorf, the president and COO of the Chicago Bulls.
July 11, 2013: Lawsuit Filed Against Pippen
Camran Shafighi filed a $4 million lawsuit against Scottie Pippen on July 11, 2013, alleging a physical altercation at Nobu restaurant in Malibu, California, on June 23.
2015: The Warriors Surpass the Bulls' Record
The Golden State Warriors surpassed the Chicago Bulls' 1995-1996 regular season record of 72-10 by winning 73 games during the 2015-2016 NBA season.
March 2016: Financial Advisor Sentenced for Fraud
In March 2016, Scottie Pippen's financial advisor, Robert Lunn, was sentenced to three years in prison for multiple fraud counts, including forging Pippen's signature on a $1.4 million loan.
2016: Pippen's Statistical Dominance
In 1994 Pippen became the second player in NBA history to lead his team in all five major statistical categories in a season. He matched a feat previously accomplished by Dave Cowens in 1977 and subsequently by Kevin Garnett in 2002, LeBron James in 2008, Giannis Antetokounmpo in 2016, and Nikola Jokić in 2021.
2016: Scottie Pippen Files for Divorce
Scottie Pippen filed for divorce from Larsa Pippen in 2016 but later withdrew the petition.
2016: Ethel Pippen, Scottie Pippen's Mother, Passes Away
Ethel Pippen, Scottie Pippen's mother, passed away in 2016.
2018: Larsa Pippen Files for Divorce
Larsa Pippen filed for divorce from Scottie Pippen in 2018.
April 16, 2020: Pippen Dismissed as Bulls' Ambassador
Scottie Pippen revealed on April 16, 2020, that he had been dismissed from his role as a public relations ambassador for the Chicago Bulls in February.
October 2021: Scottie Pippen Named to NBA 75th Anniversary Team
In October 2021, Scottie Pippen was honored as one of the NBA's greatest players of all time by being named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
2021: Pippen's Statistical Dominance
In 1994 Pippen became the second player in NBA history to lead his team in all five major statistical categories in a season. He matched a feat previously accomplished by Dave Cowens in 1977 and subsequently by Kevin Garnett in 2002, LeBron James in 2008, Giannis Antetokounmpo in 2016, and Nikola Jokić in 2021.
2021: Divorce from Larsa Pippen Finalized
Scottie Pippen and Larsa Pippen's divorce was finalized in late 2021.
2021: Death of Antron Pippen
Scottie Pippen's son, Antron Pippen, passed away in 2021.
2022: Pippen Ranked Among Top 75 NBA Players of All Time
In 2022, The Athletic ranked Scottie Pippen as the 32nd greatest NBA player of all time in their list commemorating the NBA's 75th anniversary.