Chicago Bulls stars Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen were once a dream team, but now, they can’t seem to get along. Pippen has been saying some mean things about Jordan lately, and it looks like their friendship may be in crisis. In a recent interview with DJ Vlad, former NBA star and nine-time All-Star, Dominique Wilkins shared his perspective on the conflict that seems to be growing with time.
Wilkins seemed somewhat disappointed with Pippen’s stance against Jordan, especially when Pippen remarked that Jordan couldn’t have won the championships without him. He continued by saying that not everyone can be the “king,” hinting at a possible ego clash between the two legends.
“When I hear him saying… I’m like, ‘What’s really going on with Scottie?’ Anybody who knows basketball is like, ‘You don’t win those rings without Jordan,’” Wilkins said. “Sometimes, everybody wants to be the king, and everybody can’t. Like I said, whatever issue that he got going, the two got going, I mean ability to make some sense.”
Wilkins emphasized that the success of the Chicago Bulls during their golden era was a collective effort, with various team players contributing significantly to the achievement of six NBA championships. He noted the vital role that other players had in the team’s success, acknowledging the significant contributions of teammates like Horace Grant, Toni Kukoc, Steve Kerr, and John Paxson.
The former NBA star has gone against His Airness multiple times in the past, and has even come out on top sometimes. There was an instance when MJ decided to bring his A-game in trash-talk ahead one of their matchups. Despite putting up an impressive 60 points on the board, Wilkins and Co. took the W. Although the two players had their rivalry back in the day, it looks like Wilkins is taking Jordan’s side in this one.
Will Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan repair their fractured brotherhood?
As someone who had experienced the “Last Dance” era, Wilkins found it strange to witness Pippen holding hatred against Jordan, speculated that the problems might have more to do with off-court issues than basketball. However, he chose not to comment further on the possible reasons behind Pippen’s aggressive approach towards Jordan.
Looking at the broader picture and the glorious past they shared, Wilkins encouraged both Pippen and Jordan to let go of their differences, suggesting nothing constructive would come out of their dispute. He urged them to restore the brotherhood that underlined the Chicago Bulls’ phenomenal success.
“You talk about 20, 30 years removed, come on, you gotta let go of that stuff, man,” Wilkins said. “Because what are you going to accomplish out of it, really? What do you get out of it?”