Scottie Pippen didn't expect to be part of the Dream Team . However, when USAB included him in the initial list of 10 players nominated to the team, Pippen was excited.
Not only did he always want to don the National colors, but he also liked the idea of getting to know the great players he competed against in the NBA better. But then there was one hitch.
Detroit Pistons head coach Chuck Daly was appointed as the head coach of the Dream Team. Daly's team was the Chicago Bulls' mortal enemy in the NBA, and Scottie had many run-ons against Chuck's players. Pip says he chose to set their differences aside.
"I simply decided to embrace him," said Pippen. "Even though those were his teams we faced, I didn't have any bad blood with Chuck."
The Bulls and Pistons were bitter rivals in the 90s
Daly's Pistons were the hump that Pippen's Bulls had to overcome to reach the top of the mountain. From 1988 to 1990, Chicago's season ended at the hands of Detroit in the NBA playoffs. That included a bitter Game 7 loss in the 1990 Eastern Conference Finals.
But in 1991, Chicago finally overcame their nemesis and swept them in an ECF rematch on their way to their first NBA championship. The ending was controversial as the Pistons left the court before Game 4 was over and refused to shake hands with their conquerors. But Pippen said the rivalry did not diminish Daly's resume as head coach.
"He was a great coach, very knowledgeable about the game and managing different personalities. He knew how to take care of professional players in terms of not overworking us, but also making sure the experience was fun for us and not a burden," added Pip.
Related: Tracy McGrady answers which changes he wants to see in the NBA: "I think you can't score until everyone gets past half-court"
Daly said Pippen was the best player on the Dream Team
Not only did Scottie earn Chuck's trust and confidence in Barcelona, but the late Pistons bench tactician ended up giving Pip the ultimate compliment. After their gold-medal winning performance, Daly went on to say that Pippen was the best player on that team .
"You never really know how good a player is until you coach him," said the legendary coach. "But Pippen was the great surprise in Barcelona - the confidence with which he played and the absolutely complete nature of his game on offense and defense. No one else really expected it. I know Michael's the best player, but Pippen was the best player on that team."
Pippen was one of four players who averaged at least 20 minutes of playing time on the Dream Team, with his 21.4 MPG ranking behind only MJ and Chris Mullin. Scottie also led the team with 5.9 assists per game. More importantly, he emerged from the experience a better and more mature player.
Related: "I didn't think he would fit in, and I was right" - Scottie Pippen named the only unworthy member of the Dream Team
Local Chicago, IL
Most Popular
Comments / 0