Bulls legends Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman and Michael Jordan formed one of the most iconic trios in the NBA that would go on to win a three-peat of titles from 1996 to 1998. Despite being completely in sync on the courts, time and again there had seemed to be some sort of friction off the courts between the three.
When the Chicago Bulls acquired Dennis Rodman, Michael Jordan had just made his return to the NBA from an abrupt retirement. By then, Jordan and Scottie Pippen had already won their first three-peat of NBA titles from 1991 to 1993. The addition of Dennis Rodman on the roster added to their arsenal, and the trio were absolutely unstoppable on the court.
Although the arrival of Rodman was a highly anticipated one, his initial friendship with Pippen did not start on a high note. Pippen is said to have disliked the player off the courts, and the two did not get along well.
But exactly what had transpired between Dennis Rodman and Scottie Pippen that led to the off-court clashes which would eventually strain their relationship?
Why did Scottie Pippen dislike Dennis Rodman?
In Dennis Rodman’s initial season with the Bulls, Scottie Pippen did not talk with the ‘Worm’ for six straight months. Although the two were forced to sit down and settle their differences by head coach Phil Jackson, Pippen was not interested to befriend him.
Michael Jordan, Dennis Rodman and Scottie Pippen (Image via AP)The reason behind Pippen’s distaste for Rodman dates back to their Eastern Conference Finals clash when the Bulls faced the Pistons. Rodman, who was a key player for the Detroit Pistons, had on multiple occasions played rough on the defense with Jordan and Pippen.
One such act, often considered intentional, ended up injuring Scottie Pippen which required six stitches to fix. Totally appalled by his antics, Pippen had no goodwill for his fellow rival. Little did Rodman know that he would be playing with Jordan and Pippen someday.
Fortunately for the Bulls, the Jordan-Rodman-Pippen trio worked like magic as they demolished teams one after another. Their fantastic performances on the court would eventually help dissolve the tension between Rodman and Pippen, and the three became great friends off the courts too.
Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman (Image via AFP) Despite being skeptical of Rodman’s antics, Scottie Pippen came to realize the amount of passion he held for the game. Pippen has time and again lauded Rodman’s stunning plays on the defense and voiced his admiration of the player. In fact, Dennis Rodman won three of his five NBA Championships while sharing the court alongside Jordan and Pippen.
How Pippen and Rodman kept their differences aside and played their best game on the court remains a true example of professionalism in the NBA. The Jordan-Rodman-Pippen trio would go on to make history for the Bulls, and this would not have been possible if Pippen and Rodman allowed their off-court differences to translate to their game.
FAQs
Q. How many Championships did Michael Jordan, Dennis Rodman and Scottie Pippen win together?
Dennis Rodman, Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen won three NBA Championships in 1996, 1997 and 1998 for the Chicago Bulls.
Q. When did Dennis Rodman join the Chicago Bulls?
Dennis Rodman arrived in Chicago in the 1995-1996 season.
Q. How many Finals MVP did Michael Jordan win with Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman together on the roster?
Michael Jordan won three Finals MVPs while playing with Rodman and Pippen together.
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