The spotlight was always on Michael Jordan during the Chicago Bulls‘ magical dynasty, but without Scottie Pippen, none of it would have been possible. As Jordan’s indispensable counterpart, Pippen carved out his own legacy—one worthy of enshrinement in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. And when it came time to select someone to present him for that honor, Pippen chose the person who defined his career—not Dennis Rodman, but Jordan himself.
Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan’s relationship has been notoriously turbulent in recent years. The former Bulls stars have exchanged barbs in public, fueling a feud that continues to captivate fans and pundits alike. Still, their complicated history doesn’t erase the bond they once shared during the franchise’s golden era. At least back in 2010, the respect was mutual—and public.
That year, Pippen was inducted into the Hall of Fame and selected Jordan, who had been inducted the year prior, to formally present him. The gesture reflected the significance of their shared journey and was a continuation of a Hall of Fame tradition in which past legends present new inductees. It was a moment of reverence, not rivalry—fitting for a duo that won six NBA titles together.
“I can’t think of a better person to do it,” Pippen said at the time, via ESPN. “Michael is someone I shared my career with, accomplishing most of what I have accomplished thus far.” Their paths were intertwined, and for one evening in Springfield, Massachusetts, the narrative turned from division to tribute.
Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing walks the grid prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Pippen’s heartfelt words for Jordan
Despite the tension that has developed in recent years, Pippen’s speech that night revealed the deep respect he once held for Jordan. Their legacy wasn’t just about championships and accolades. It was about two competitors pushing each other to greatness and forming one of the most iconic partnerships in NBA history.
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“Michael was a great teammate, teacher, and admirer,” Pippen said during his speech. “I’m excited to have an opportunity to be the first person that he has presented into the Hall of Fame. I figure if anyone deserves to be on the stage with me, it’s him.”
Pippen continued, “What an honor it is for me as a basketball player to have the all-time great presenting me here tonight. It was so valuable to me as a player to see someone who had the same desire, determination, passion, and love for the game.” He concluded his remarks with a message that still resonates with Bulls fans. “MJ, you have touched so many people’s lives, but none like mine. Thank you for being the best teammate. I will always cherish that experience and our relationship forever.”
Why not Dennis Rodman?
While Pippen and Rodman shared three championships with the Bulls, their relationship was more functional than sentimental. Before teaming up in Chicago, they had been fierce rivals—most notably during Rodman’s time with the Detroit Pistons. Pippen wasn’t initially thrilled when the Bulls acquired the controversial forward, but he eventually came to respect Rodman’s value on the court.
Rodman’s relentless defense and rebounding were crucial to the Bulls’ second three-peat, but the emotional connection between Pippen and Jordan was on another level. For Pippen, the Hall of Fame moment was personal, not just professional. And in that context, there was no other choice. It had to be Jordan.
