Scottie Pippen Biography: The Life and Career of a Basketball Legend
Scottie Pippen is one of the most recognizable names in basketball history. Born on September 25, 1965, in Hamburg, Arkansas, Pippen is a retired American professional basketball player who played 17 seasons in the NBA. He is best known for his time with the Chicago Bulls, where he won six NBA championships alongside Michael Jordan.
Pippen’s journey to basketball stardom began in college, where he played for the University of Central Arkansas. Despite starting as a walk-on player, Pippen quickly established himself as one of the best players in college basketball. His talent caught the attention of NBA scouts, and he was selected fifth overall in the 1987 NBA draft by the Seattle SuperSonics. He was then traded to the Chicago Bulls, where he would spend the majority of his career.
Throughout his NBA career, Pippen was widely regarded as one of the best all-around players in the league. He was an eight-time member of the NBA All-Defensive First Team and a seven-time NBA All-Star. He was also a two-time Olympic gold medalist, winning with the United States men’s basketball team in 1992 and 1996. Pippen’s legacy in basketball is one of excellence and dominance on both ends of the court.
Key Takeaways
- Scottie Pippen is a retired American professional basketball player who played 17 seasons in the NBA, winning six championships with the Chicago Bulls.
- Pippen’s journey to basketball stardom began in college, where he played for the University of Central Arkansas.
- Throughout his NBA career, Pippen was widely regarded as one of the best all-around players in the league, winning numerous awards and accolades for his exceptional play.
Early Life
Scottie Pippen was born on September 25, 1965, in Hamburg, Arkansas. He was the youngest of 12 children in his family. Pippen grew up in a poor family where his parents worked as farmers. He attended Hamburg High School where he played basketball and football.
After graduating from high school, Pippen enrolled at the University of Central Arkansas. He initially played basketball and later added football to his sports repertoire. Pippen played basketball for the university from 1983 to 1987. During his college career, he averaged 23.6 points, 10 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 2.4 steals per game. Pippen helped his team reach the NCAA Division II Final Four in 1985 and 1986.
Despite his impressive college stats, Pippen was not a highly regarded prospect in the 1987 NBA draft. The Seattle SuperSonics selected him with the fifth pick and then traded him to the Chicago Bulls. Pippen’s early years in the NBA were marked by struggles, but he eventually emerged as a star player and helped the Bulls win six NBA championships.
High School Career
Scottie Pippen attended Hamburg High School in Arkansas, where he played basketball. He was a 6’1″ guard in his sophomore year, but he grew to 6’7″ by his senior year. Pippen was not heavily recruited out of high school, and he only received one scholarship offer from the University of Central Arkansas, a Division II school.
During his senior year, Pippen led Hamburg High School to the state playoffs, where they lost in the first round. He averaged 29.1 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game during his senior year. Pippen’s high school coach, Donald Wayne Smith, described him as a “late bloomer” who was “very raw” when he first started playing basketball.
Despite his lack of attention from college recruiters, Pippen’s high school career was impressive enough to earn him a spot on the Arkansas All-State team in 1983.
College Career
Scottie Pippen began his college playing career at the University of Central Arkansas as a walk-on player. He was discovered by the school’s head basketball coach, Don Dyer. Pippen did not receive much media coverage during his college career because Central Arkansas played in the NAIA, while the media focused on the more prestigious NCAA.
University of Central Arkansas
Pippen played for the Central Arkansas Bears from 1983 to 1987. During his time at the university, he became one of college basketball’s best players. In his senior year, he led the Bears to a 29-5 record and the NAIA Championship game. Pippen was named the NAIA Player of the Year in 1987.
Despite his impressive college career, Pippen was not highly recruited by NBA teams. He was selected fifth overall by the Seattle SuperSonics in the 1987 NBA draft. However, he was traded to the Chicago Bulls on draft night and began his NBA career with the Bulls.
Pippen’s time at the University of Central Arkansas helped him develop his skills and gain the attention of NBA scouts. His success at the university paved the way for his successful NBA career.
NBA Career
Scottie Pippen played in the NBA for 17 seasons, starting in 1987 with the Chicago Bulls. Pippen quickly became a key player on the Bulls team, which won six NBA championships during his tenure.
Chicago Bulls
Pippen played for the Chicago Bulls from 1987 to 1998 and again from 2003 to 2004. During his time with the Bulls, he was a seven-time NBA All-Star and won six NBA championships. Pippen was known for his versatility on the court, playing both small forward and point guard positions. He was also a skilled defender, earning NBA All-Defensive honors eight times.
Houston Rockets
After leaving the Bulls, Pippen played for the Houston Rockets from 1998 to 1999. He played in only 44 games due to injuries and was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers the following year.
Portland Trail Blazers
Pippen played for the Portland Trail Blazers from 1999 to 2003. During his time with the Blazers, he was a three-time NBA All-Star and helped lead the team to the Western Conference Finals in 2000. Pippen retired from the NBA in 2004 with career averages of 16.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game.
Overall, Pippen is considered one of the greatest players in NBA history and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010.
Post-NBA Career
After retiring from the NBA, Scottie Pippen remained involved in basketball as a commentator and analyst for various networks, including ESPN and ABC. He also made several appearances on reality television shows, including “The Apprentice” and “Dancing with the Stars.”
In addition to his media work, Pippen has also been involved in various business ventures. He launched his own line of clothing and accessories, called “Pippen Collection,” and has invested in real estate properties.
Pippen also remained involved in the basketball world as a coach and mentor. He served as a volunteer assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2005-2006 season, and has worked as a consultant for various NBA teams.
Despite his success on the court, Pippen has faced some financial challenges in his post-NBA career. In 2016, he sued his former financial advisor for $30 million, alleging that the advisor had mismanaged his money and caused him significant financial losses.
Despite these challenges, Pippen remains a beloved figure in the basketball world, and his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time continues to inspire new generations of athletes.
Personal Life
Scottie Pippen has been married twice. He married Karen McCollum in 1988 and the couple had a son, Antron Pippen (1987 – 2021), before divorcing in 1990. Pippen then married Larsa Younan in 1997 and the couple had four children together. They divorced in 2018.
Marriage and Children
Pippen’s marriage to Larsa Younan was often in the news, especially after she was seen with Pippen’s former teammate, Michael Jordan. The couple’s four children are Sophia, Justin, Preston, and Scotty Jr.
Philanthropy
Scottie Pippen has been involved in various philanthropic activities throughout his career. In 1996, he established the Scottie Pippen Foundation to help children in need. The foundation has helped fund various programs, including the Illinois Eye Institute, which provides eye care to underprivileged children.
Pippen has also been involved with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, granting wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. In addition, he has supported various other charities, including the Boys and Girls Club and the Ronald McDonald House.
Legacy
Scottie Pippen’s legacy in basketball is undeniable. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest small forwards in NBA history and was a key player in the Chicago Bulls’ dynasty of the 1990s.
Pippen’s versatility on both offense and defense made him a valuable asset to any team he played for. He was an excellent passer, rebounder, and scorer, and his defensive skills earned him a spot on the NBA All-Defensive First Team eight times.
In addition to his individual accolades, Pippen was a crucial part of the Bulls’ six championship wins in the 1990s. He played alongside Michael Jordan and was often referred to as Jordan’s “sidekick,” but Pippen was much more than that. He was a leader on the court and was instrumental in the Bulls’ success.
Pippen’s legacy extends beyond his playing career. He has been inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame and is remembered as one of the greatest players in NBA history. His impact on the game of basketball is still felt today, and he continues to be an inspiration to young players around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Scottie Pippen’s college background?
Scottie Pippen attended the University of Central Arkansas, where he played basketball. He was originally a walk-on player but quickly became one of the top players on the team. During his college career, he was named the NAIA Player of the Year in 1987.
What are some interesting facts about Scottie Pippen?
Scottie Pippen is known for his incredible defense and his ability to play multiple positions. He was also a member of the 1992 and 1996 U.S. Olympic “Dream Teams,” which won gold medals in basketball. Pippen is also known for his philanthropic work, including his involvement in the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
How many championships did Scottie Pippen win?
Scottie Pippen won six NBA championships as a member of the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s. He was a key player on those championship teams, playing alongside Michael Jordan.
What is Scottie Pippen’s relationship with Michael Jordan?
Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan had a close relationship both on and off the court. They played together on the Chicago Bulls for many years, winning six NBA championships together. Pippen has said that Jordan was like a brother to him.
What is Scottie Pippen’s family like?
Scottie Pippen has been married twice. He has seven children, including four with his first wife, Karen McCollum, and three with his current wife, Larsa Younan. His son, Antron, played college basketball at Texas A&M International University.
What is Scottie Pippen’s draft history?
Scottie Pippen was selected fifth overall in the 1987 NBA draft by the Seattle SuperSonics. However, he was quickly traded to the Chicago Bulls, where he would spend most of his career.