Scottie Pippen reveals comment from Michael Jordan that meant a lot to him

For all that’s been said about Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen over the years, one comment still stands out to Pippen.

And it came during The Last Dance.

As most NBA fans remember, Jordan offered perhaps his strongest public praise of Pippen while reflecting on the Chicago Bulls’ dynasty.

“Whenever they speak Michael Jordan, they should speak Scottie Pippen,” Jordan said in the documentary. “Everybody says well I won all these championships, but I didn’t win without Scottie Pippen.”

Pippen hasn’t forgotten it.

“I deeply appreciated what he said,” Pippen wrote in his book. “And the similar kind words I received in the spring of 2020 from friends, ex-teammates and fans.”

The quote carried extra weight because Pippen and Jordan have never exactly been known as close friends away from basketball.

In fact, Pippen has repeatedly said the opposite.

“Michael and I aren’t close and never have been,” Pippen wrote. “Away from the court, we are two very different people who have led two very different lives.”

Yet none of that changed what they accomplished together.

The Bulls won six championships, never lost in the NBA Finals and became one of the greatest dynasties in sports history.

Jordan has often referred to Pippen as the best teammate he ever had, crediting him for helping transform Chicago into a champion.

And while their relationship has experienced its share of ups and downs, Pippen acknowledged there is one thing that will never change.

“The two of us will forever be linked together,” he wrote. “He helped make my dreams come true, as I helped make his.”

More than 25 years after their final title together, that part remains undeniable.