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Magic Johnson was impressed by Scottie Pippen's "work ethic, dedication, and ability to make his teammates better"
Scottie Pippen was one of the most versatile players in the history of the NBA. A six-time champion and a seven-time All-Star, the Arkansas native redefined the forward position with his ability to handle the ball, pass, and score at a high level. But it was not just his on-court abilities that made him stand out; it was also his work ethic and leadership skills.
One person who recognized these qualities in Pippen was none other than Earvin "Magic" Johnson. As Pippen gets inducted into the Chicago Bulls’ inaugural Ring of Honor, Magic wrote a short essay sharing his admiration for Pippen’s skills.
Teammates on the 1992 Dream Team
After spending time battling one another in the 1991 NBA Finals, wherein the Bulls captured their first NBA title with a 4-1 series win over Magic’s Los Angeles Lakers, the two saw one another again, only this time, they were teammates on the Dream Team that competed in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
It was there that Magic got to see up close and personal just how valuable Pippen was to the team. Despite being surrounded by some of the greatest basketball players in history, Pippen stood out with his incredible athleticism, defensive prowess, and ability to make plays for his teammates.
“I'm grateful that I had the privilege of playing with Scottie on the 1992 Dream Team. I always knew he had game, but I was even more impressed by his work ethic, dedication, and ability to make his teammates better. He was unselfish and played the game with extreme passion and heart. He was an essential player on our road to gold in the Olympics, and the team dynamics wouldn't have been the same without him,” Magic wrote.
Deserving of this recognition
Though Pippen got his fair share of recognition, he still played most of his career in the shadow of his more popular teammate, Michael Jordan. Magic shared how happy he was that Pippen was getting his due as a valuable piece of the Bulls’ dynasty.
“Scottie deserves this recognition, and I am proud to call him a friend. His character and ability made him a champion in life and in the game of basketball. Enjoy this honor, and know that I am extremely delighted that the Chicago Bulls franchise has taken the time to highlight your accomplishments!” Magic added.
