After his stint with the Portland Trail Blazers ran its course, Scottie Pippen was recruited back by the Chicago Bulls in the summer of 2003. On Jul. 20, then-Bulls executive and Pip’s former teammate John Paxson finally made it happen and signed the legendary forward to a two-year, $10 million deal with his old team.
Pippen was 38 years old at the time, but Paxson was convinced that he still had something left in the tank. For John, bringing back Scottie wasn’t just about nostalgia but, more importantly, adding a much-needed high-level player to a young and struggling squad.
“A lot of people think we’re trying to relive the past,” Paxson said of signing Pippen. “But I’m looking at this as the best move for our future. What Scottie can give us on the floor is immeasurable.”
Once a Bull, always a Bull
On the other hand, Pippen was filled with enthusiasm, having made the decision to rejoin the team where he won six NBA championships. Apart from being excited for his return to The Windy City, Pip was also driven by a strong desire to prove that he still possessed the skills and ability to contribute to the team’s success despite Father Time lurking around.
For Scottie, returning to Chicago wasn’t just a fitting move as he approaches the twilight of his illustrious NBA career. Moreover, it was a heartfelt choice to once again don the jersey of a franchise that he had always viewed as his true home.
“I’ve always been a Bull in my heart, and now I will play where my heart is,” Pippen proclaimed upon the announcement of his return to Chicago. “I’m here to help this team back in the playoffs. That’s my goal. I’ve made the playoffs every year of my 16-year career, and I don’t plan on breaking that streak now.”
The Bulls wanted Scottie to help in all facets of the game
Pippen was no longer the elite all-around player he was during the mighty Bulls dynasty in the ’90s when he played for the Blazers. In his four-year run in Portland, Pip averaged 11.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game.
In his second stint in Chicago, the Bulls didn’t really expect Scottie to light up the stat sheet every game. Instead, they were optimistic about the contributions he could make to the team, particularly in the intangible aspects of the game.
The expectations were not set for the veteran forward to do the impossible and lead the Bulls to another NBA championship like he used to do alongside Michael Jordan several years ago. However, Paxson and the Bulls coaching staff envisioned Pippen getting involved and enhancing the team’s overall dynamics and performance.
The team recognized the forward’s wealth of knowledge and leadership qualities as invaluable assets that could lay the groundwork for a new and formidable Bulls squad.
“I see Scottie handling the ball a lot,” Paxson says. “Bill [Cartwright] wants to run more, and Scottie can still rebound and push the ball. He’s in good physical shape and can play any number of roles for us on the court, but his value goes beyond that. His experience and leadership are what a young team such as ours needs more than anything.”
“We know the ball has to go inside,” he continued. “That means Eddy [Curry] is going to get more opportunities to score. Jamal [Crawford] is also blossoming as a scorer. So now, with Scottie out there, Jalen won’t feel like he has to do everything. Scottie can facilitate that process.”
“Scottie’s experience, knowledge of the game, and knowledge of preparation will teach our young players how hard they have to practice, how they have to prepare and conduct themselves,” adds Bulls head coach Bill Cartwright. “Then, as they step on the floor, he will give them an understanding of how to guard somebody and how to run the offense. Having him on our side is very important.”
Pippen’s body couldn’t keep up
True to form, Pippen officially made his Bulls comeback during the team’s season opener against the Washington Wizards on Oct. 29. Scottie addressed the enthusiastic crowd in his homecoming before logging seven points, seven rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and one steal in 30 minutes of action.
Though the Bulls lost, Pippen’s presence provided an added boost to the team’s confidence and competitive spirit. Just when Chicago thought they were about to bounce back following a disappointing 2002-03 season, Pippen dealt with numerous injuries, limiting him to just 23 games.
Scottie, unsurprisingly, wasn’t able to finish the entire season. In 23 games, he registered 5.9 points, three rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. He was then prompted to retire for good.
Two years later, “Robin” returned to Chicago once again, this time for his well-deserved jersey retirement.