"Michael, I love you, but I'm glad to see you go" - Scottie Pippen described getting Michael Jordan's locker in 1993 as his greatest promotion
"Michael, I love you, but I'm glad to see you go" - Scottie Pippen described getting Michael Jordan's locker in 1993 as his greatest promotion originally appeared on Basketball Network.
When Michael Jordan retired in 1993, everyone saw Scottie Pippen as the Chicago Bulls' new No.1 guy. But Pippen wanted more than that. Then came the ultimate validation.
Advertisement
"All I know is I'm getting his locker," said Pippen to former ESPN sportswriter Melissa Isaacson during a preseason game on October 28, 1993. "It's the greatest promotion I've ever had. Michael, I love you, but I'm glad to see you go."
The opportunity that Pippen had long waited for
The Seattle SuperSonics drafted Pippen with the No.5 overall pick in 1987 before trading him to Chicago for Olden Polynice. Still, he didn't join the Bulls as their go-to superstar. Instead, Pip entered MJ's shadow from day one.
Despite earning three All-Star selections, three All-Defensive First Team nods and two All-NBA team selections in his first six years in the NBA, Pippen was always known as Jordan's sidekick. He was always in the background, and MJ got all the accolades. But with Jordan leaving in 1993, it was Pippen's time to shine. And he relished the opportunity.
Advertisement
"I enjoyed my growth and development as a player, as well as the leadership role that I had," said the legendary forward in 2014. "It was the first time for me to be the clear-cut star. I didn't always have a chance to rise up when Michael was there, especially in my first three years. But by him stepping away a little bit, it gave me a little room to grow. And when he came back, it gave me an opportunity to stand beside him instead of standing below him."
The Jordan-less Bulls finished the 1993-94 season with a 55-27 record, securing the third seed in the Eastern Conference. But despite sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the season, the New York Knicks ended their season in Eastern Conference semifinals after seven games.
Pippen did a great job as the team's go-to guy. Throughout the regular season, he averaged 22.0 points, 8.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists. In 10 postseason games, the Hall of Famer put up 22.8 points, 8.3 rebounds and 4.6 assists.
Related: Gary Payton says he warned Shaquille O'Neal not to beef with Dwyane Wade like he did with Kobe Bryant: "I had to pull him aside"
The value of lockers
The Bulls allowing Pippen to use Jordan's old locker proved that the team valued him more than he thought they did.
Advertisement
When Michael retired again in 1998 and Scottie was traded to the Houston Rockets that season, Bulls management issued a memo that prohibited anyone on the team from using them.
"No one will use the spaces this season out of respect for Jordan and Pippen, who led Chicago to six National Basketball Association titles, but a team spokesman said the Bulls have not decided exactly what will be done with the lockers. Except for a preseason game, Jordan's and Pippen's lockers have been off limits to the new Bulls," per the NY Times.
Pippen did Jordan's locker justice. But for all his greatness — even in MJ's absence — he couldn't lead the Bulls to the title by himself. Even when Jordan returned with 17 games left in the 1994-95 regular season, the Bulls still suffered a second-round playoff loss against the Orlando Magic.
However, they completed their revenge campaign in 1996, kicking off their second three-peat of the decade. Jordan was still the main guy. Pippen was still his sidekick. But he was arguably the greatest sidekick in NBA history. And Michael needed him just as much as he needed Michael.
Advertisement
Related: "Scottie would probably be in a wheelchair" - Bulls assistant said MJ's return and Rodman's arrival extended Pippen's career
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
29 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Bears QB Caleb Williams explains why Packers fans 'suck'
There is no love lost between fans of the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers, and quarterback Caleb Williams is adding even more fuel to the fire. During an appearance at Fanatics Fest on Friday, Williams was asked about the fan base he dislikes, and the Packers came right to mind. While there's certainly the rivalry aspect at play here, Williams detailed one experience from when the Bears were celebrating their last-second 24-22 over the Packers in the season finale. Advertisement "After the game, after we won at Lambeau -- 1-0 at Lambeau," Williams said, via Ryan Garcia. "So obviously we tried to do the Lambeau leap -- we actually tried to jump in the crowd where our fans were. They started throwing everything at you, they push you off -- and the Lambeau leap it's a real leap, it's not a little baby jump. You actually have to high jump basically. They're pushing you, pushing your face." Williams also had another bad encounter with a Packer fan on the way to the Fanatics Fest, where he "got run down for six blocks" in his car. While Williams grew up idolizing Aaron Rodgers, he insists he wasn't a Packers fan. And now, safe to say, that animosity towards Green Bay will only grow as he leads the Bears in one of the NFL's most historic rivalries. Williams is off to a solid start against the Packers going 1-1 in his rookie season -- and he should very well be 2-0 if not for a blocked Cairo Santos field goal at Soldier Field. Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears QB Caleb Williams explains why Packers fans 'suck'
Yahoo
39 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Brian Urlacher and Devin Hester Selected to NFL's Best 53-Man Roster of the Past 25 Years
Brian Urlacher and Devin Hester Selected to NFL's Best 53-Man Roster of the Past 25 Years originally appeared on Athlon Sports. A major nod to NFL history just dropped—highlighting the league's most iconic stretch in recent memory. In celebrating the last 25 years of gridiron greatness, a definitive list has been released, shining a spotlight on the league's most impactful players and coaches. And for fans in Chicago, there's plenty to be proud of—two all-time Bears legends earned their place on this elite roster. Advertisement The list in question is the NFL All Quarter Century Team: Best 53-Man Roster, Coaches, released by ESPN analysts Aaron Schatz and Seth Walder. Meant to reflect the best of the best from the modern era (2000–2025), the team captures not just fan favorites but data-backed excellence across all positions. Soldier FieldGetty Images For a city that lives and breathes football, seeing Brian Urlacher and Devin Hester honored among the NFL elite is a badge of honor. Brian UrlacherGetty Images Urlacher anchored one of the most feared defenses of the 2000s—a relentless force who made Sundays miserable for opposing quarterbacks. Over a 13-year career with the Bears, the linebacker totaled 41.5 sacks, 11 forced fumbles, and 22 interceptions. He was named Defensive Player of the Year once and earned five All-Pro nods. Advertisement According to Walder, the Urlacher-led Bears had the third-best defense in terms of EPA per play from 2001 to '12. He also ranked fourth in plus-EPA per game among all players. A stat-sheet stuffer with sideline-to-sideline instincts, Urlacher was the pulse of a defense that demanded respect. Devin HesterGetty Images Hester brought fireworks every time he touched the ball. With 20 return touchdowns and over 11,000 return yards, his career didn't just redefine special teams—it elevated it to must-see TV. Fourteen of those scores came via punt returns—a jaw-dropping number no one has come close to touching. And in 2024, Hester capped off his legacy by becoming the first return specialist ever inducted into the Hall of Fame. From the moment he housed the opening kick of Super Bowl XLI, fans knew they were watching something special. Advertisement In honoring the league's top contributors from the past quarter century, ESPN's list is both a tribute and a time capsule—a reminder of the impact Urlacher and Hester had on the game. And in Chicago, it's a chance to reflect on two careers that still echo through Soldier Field, reminding fans why this city's football history is anything but ordinary. Related: Bears' Prized Free Agent Starts Game Day in the Most Unexpected Way Related: Bears Hard-Nosed Rookie RB Pushes Back on 7th-Round Label After Draft Slide This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
39 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Ryan Bates Faces Roster Pressure as Bears Rebuild Offensive Line
Ryan Bates Faces Roster Pressure as Bears Rebuild Offensive Line originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Chicago Bears have made bold moves to reshape their roster, but with that comes inevitable attrition. As the team transitions into a new phase under a retooled coaching staff and front office led by new head coach Ben Johnson, one position group stands out as particularly unsettled. And while most attention has gone to the new faces, the quiet buzz surrounding one veteran's uncertain status is beginning to gain traction. Advertisement In 2024, the Bears acquired Ryan Bates from the Buffalo Bills in exchange for a fifth-round pick. A six-year pro, Bates came in with a reputation as a steady hand—a utility lineman who could patch holes wherever needed. But the plan never got off the ground. He played just three games before shoulder and elbow injuries landed him on injured reserve. It was a season to forget for the veteran guard trying to establish himself in a new city. Chicago Bears helmetGetty Images The situation has caught the attention of Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic, whose analysis—shared by ChiCitySports—highlighted Bates in the ongoing battle for offensive line depth: 'This group has only four returning players from last season, a sign of the overhaul. The competition for the final offensive line spots will include Doug Kramer … Ryan Bates, whose 2024 was derailed by injuries, Ricky Stromberg, Chris Glaser and Jordan McFadden. Regardless of who OL8 or OL9 is, the top seven look a lot better than what the Bears have had in several years.' While several linemen are battling for depth roles, Bates stands out for one key reason—he was acquired via trade just last year. That transaction cost the Bears a 2024 fifth-round pick, making him more than just another camp body. Although cutting him wouldn't recoup that draft capital, it could free up valuable cap space if the team decides to move on. Ryan BatesGetty Image Bates was once Buffalo's Swiss Army knife—plug-and-play reliable. In 2022, he started 15 games. A year later, he played in all 17 without missing a snap, even if it was off the bench. But availability only gets you so far when durability comes into question. Advertisement Now, with Ozzy Tripilo freshly drafted and free agent pickups Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson locking down starting spots, the math isn't in his favor. The Bears are deep, young, and aggressive in their approach. And when cut day arrives, the front office might be forced to make a call they didn't expect back when they traded for him. The NFL doesn't wait long for comebacks. In Chicago, the clock may already be ticking. Related: Two Bears Legends Chosen for NFL's Top 53-Man Team of the Last 25 Years Related: Bears' Prized Free Agent Starts Game Day in the Most Unexpected Way This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
