Phil Jackson coached the Chicago Bulls during their most dominant era. At the time, he said Scottie Pippen was a better all-around player than Michael Jordan.
One of their former teammates was asked about this claim, and here was his response.
Former Bulls Guard Breaks Down Scottie Pippen’s Skills
The Bulls’ six championships during the 1990s made Jordan a legend. However, the franchise likely never would have enjoyed the same dominance without Pippen.
Pippen is best known as the Robin to Jordan’s Batman. According to Jackson, though, he was more than just a sidekick. Jackson said that while Jordan was a tremendous scorer, no one could match Pippen as a well-rounded player. In fact, he claimed Pippen was the greatest all-around player at that time.
Jackson’s statement is still remembered. One such occasion came on Wednesday’s episode of the “Cousins with Vince Carter & Tracy McGrady” podcast. During the latest release, ex-Bulls guard Ron Harper Sr. and his sons, Ron Jr. and Dylan, appeared as special guests.
Harper played for the Bulls from 1994 to 1998 and was part of their second three-peat. Because of that connection, McGrady asked his stance on Jackson’s statement.
“Scottie Pippen is the best small forward to ever play the game of basketball. MJ is the best game-day clutch player to ever play,” he replied.
He went on to praise Pippen’s scoring, defense, and basketball IQ.
“But, when you want to get over that hill,” he added. “You’re going to have to go over there with 23 (Jordan’s iconic jersey number). 23 will get you over the hill.”
Ron Harper talking about Phil Jackson saying that Scottie Pippen was better than Michael Jordan
“Scottie Pippen is the best small forward to ever play the game of basketball. MJ is the best game day clutch player to ever play the ball game. You not going to lose with MJ, you… https://t.co/76AXNr5MhW pic.twitter.com/fs3eSS2r7i
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) February 18, 2026
Both Pippen and Jordan were pivotal to the Bulls’ accomplishments in the 1990s. Their roles were very different, though. While both were stars, Jordan was the clear No. 1 option when the team needed a basket.
He was such a proficient scorer that he earned the league’s scoring title 10 times (1987-1993, 1996-98). His offensive contributions didn’t mean he slacked off on defense, though. During his time with the Bulls, he averaged 2.5 steals and was named Defensive Player of the Year in 1988.
In terms of rebounding and playmaking, his and Pippen’s numbers were not far apart. Jordan averaged 6.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists with the Bulls, while Pippen had 6.7 and 5.3.
However, stats don’t always tell the whole story. Jackson recognized that Pippen impacted the game differently from Jordan, and he devised a system that maximized both their talents to win six championships.
