“Didn’t Get the Recognition That He Truly, Truly Deserved”: Michael Jordan Lauded Scottie Pippen After Winning MVP Award

Scottie Pippen, one of the best players ever, has been in the news for all the wrong reasons. The six-time NBA champion has recently released his memoir “Unguarded” in which he has made some very controversial statements. Pippen has accused Jordan of being too self-centered and of not being a team player among a host of other accusations.

Although Michael Jordan has had no say regarding this matter, fans have posted videos and stories in which Jordan praises Pippen.

Michael Jordan praises Scottie Pippen in an interview

The video shows Michael Jordan answering questions in an interview after winning the MVP Award. He praises Scottie Pippen for his performances and contributions.

“You know, when I was here before I retired, I overshadowed Scottie a lot, you know, and he didn’t get the recognition that he truly, truly deserved.” Jordan talks about Pippen when asked about a moment between the two while Jordan received his award.

Jordan adds, “He’s matured since I’ve been around and when I stepped away, he matured even more because he understood what I was shielding him from. You know, the pressure and the press and the expectations.”

“I’ll take the trophy. He can have the car. I’ll make sure he gets the car.” This act of Jordan makes us wonder whether he really was selfish, as Pippin claims.

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Jordan and Pippen controversy

There are always two sides to a story, and this one is no exception. Pippen has gone all out to accuse Jordan of always stealing the limelight and not giving due credits. Pippen mentioned how he always felt unappreciated in the all-star Chicago Bulls team.

According to Pippen, he has always been the better teammate. MJ always belittled his teammates and wasn’t always the ideal teammate. Scott Williams, a former player for the Bulls, had other opinions.

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – JUNE 11: Michael Jordan #23 and Scottie Pippen #33 of the Chicago Bulls celebrate after winning game five of the 1997 NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz on June 11, 1997 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Andy Hayt/NBAE/Getty Images)

Williams said he stays in touch with Jordan all the time but the same doesn’t apply to Pippen. While talking to the Daily Herald, Williams said, “I text him and he always responds. I know he’s on the golf course or doing his business with his car or the Hornets. That I can appreciate. Like, ‘Hey, I see you’re going to be on Good Morning America to pump up The Last Dance. Are you up? You ready?’ Little stuff like that. He’s like, ‘Yeah, my brother, I’m up. I’m ready to go.’ Little things like that mean a lot. I know plenty of times I’ve texted Pip and it’s been radio silence.“

This comment from Williams just complicates the matter further, as it has left fans thinking who is right and who is not. The truth is not in front of us yet and one can only hope the whole matter does not get too ugly.

Who do you think is right in this case? Let us know about it in the comments.

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