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Scottie Pippen shares how Michael Jordan initially wasn't interested in joining the 1992 Dream Team
Chicago Bulls legends Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen were two of the most prominent members of the iconic Dream Team that dominated the men’s basketball event of the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain. However, unbeknownst to many, Jordan was initially hesitant to join the team.
During an interview with Bulls.com, Pippen revealed that Jordan was not interested in playing for Team USA at first, especially since Pip wasn’t really giving it much thought as they received the invite during the 1990-1991 season.
Change of heart
However, upon learning of the star-studded roster USA Basketball was forming for the Dream Team, Pippen quickly reconsidered, which made Jordan change his stance as well. The addition of these two superstars only added to the already stacked team, which included other legends such as Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Charles Barkley.
“It wasn't on my radar at all, so I was pretty surprised. It was during the season and I wasn't even thinking about it. I didn't know if it was something we had to try out for or what,” Pippen shared in 2012.
“Once he [Jordan] saw that it was going to be a special team, he changed his tune and wanted to be a part of it.”
The Dream Team would become one of the most revered teams of all time, dominating the 1992 Olympics and winning every game in dominant fashion. Their star power and skill on the court were unmatched, cementing their status as legends in basketball history.
Dream come true
For Pippen, the opportunity to be part of such a powerhouse team was a dream come true. Growing up in Central Arkansas, Pippen shared that never in a million years did he imagine himself playing alongside the greatest players in the world.
“To have an opportunity to spend time with some of those guys and get to know them on a greater level was very appealing. But obviously, to represent our country and play for a gold medal is something that most every athlete dreams of at one time or another,” Pippen remarked.
“When you watch the Olympic games, you place yourself in the shoes of the competitors and imagine what it might be like. But for me, coming from Central Arkansas, it was the furthest thing from my mind to ever actually happen.”
