Scottie Pippen is an icon in both the Chicago Bulls organization and the NBA.
Interestingly, Pippen’s journey with the Bulls almost never happened, as the Seattle SuperSonics selected him with the fifth overall pick in the 1987 NBA Draft.
However, the Sonics subsequently traded him to the Bulls.
Recently, the Basketball Hall of Famer shared a post on X that featured a photoshopped image of himself in a Sonics jersey.
He captioned the image: “What it would have looked like if I never got traded. $BALL”
What it would have looked like if I never got traded. $BALL pic.twitter.com/DU9mHqdfYn
— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) August 17, 2024
Numerous fans reacted to Pippen’s post.
Via @JakeTheShakeTS: “And what do you think your career would have turned out like, would you be a bigger star being out of Jordan’s shadow? Would you win as much?”
And how do you think your career might have unfolded? Would you have become a bigger star outside of Jordan’s influence? Would you have achieved similar success?
— 𝕵𝖆𝖐𝖊𝕿𝖍𝖊𝕾𝖍𝖆𝖊𝕿𝖔𝖕𝕾𝖍𝖔𝖙🏀💦🥩 (@JakeTheShakeTS) August 17, 2024
Via @Backslider78: “Jordan admitted in the documentary that he wouldn’t be who he is today without Scottie. However, if Pippen had played for the Sonics, it would have shifted their entire lineup, and they might not have picked Payton. Jordan still would have likely snagged 1 or 2 titles, and the Sonics would have probably still faltered.”
Jordan admitted in the documentary that he wouldn’t be who he is today without Scottie. However, if Pippen had played for the Sonics, it would have shifted their entire lineup, and they might not have picked Payton. Jordan still would have likely snagged 1 or 2 titles, and the Sonics would have probably still faltered. https://t.co/cZb56Ogfhw
— Scott Bell (@Backslider78) August 18, 2024
Via @Bryan_Vikes_XC: “You likely would have had more lucrative contracts, but as for those championships? That’s uncertain. I enjoyed watching you play.”
You likely would have had more lucrative contracts, but as for those championships? That’s uncertain. I enjoyed watching you play.
— Bryan HS Cross Country (@Bryan_Vikes_XC) August 17, 2024
Pippen played a crucial role in assisting Michael Jordan and the Bulls in securing six NBA Championships.
The seven-time NBA All-Star averaged 16.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 2.0 steals per game, shooting 47.3% from the field and 32.6% from beyond the arc over the course of 1,178 regular season games.
Beyond his iconic tenure with the Bulls, Pippen also had stints with the Houston Rockets and the Portland Trail Blazers.
# Scottie Pippen Reflects on What Could Have Been: A ‘What If’ Scenario in Seattle
## The Seattle Supersonics: A Brief History
Before delving into Scottie Pippen’s intriguing reflections, it’s essential to understand the context of the Seattle Supersonics. Established in 1967, the Supersonics quickly became a staple of the NBA, known for their dynamic play and passionate fanbase. They made it to the NBA Finals twice, winning their only championship in 1979. However, the team’s fortunes changed in the late 1990s, eventually leading to its relocation to Oklahoma City in 2008, becoming the Thunder.
### Key Moments in Supersonics History
| Year | Event |
|——|——————————————-|
| 1979 | Won NBA Championship |
| 1996 | Reached the NBA Finals against the Bulls |
| 2008 | Team relocated to Oklahoma City |
## Scottie Pippen: The Legacy
Scottie Pippen is synonymous with the Chicago Bulls dynasty of the 1990s, where he played alongside legends like Michael Jordan. A versatile forward, Pippen was known for his defensive prowess, playmaking ability, and being a key contributor to the Bulls’ six championships. After his time in Chicago, Pippen played for the Houston Rockets and the Portland Trail Blazers, but his connection to the Bulls remains paramount.
### Pippen’s Achievements
– **6× NBA Champion** (1996-1998)
– **7× NBA All-Star**
– **2× Olympic Gold Medalist** (1992, 1996)
– **NBA All-Defensive Team** selections
## A Hypothetical Scenario: Pippen in Seattle
Imagine if Scottie Pippen had been drafted by the Seattle Supersonics instead of the Bulls. This “What If” scenario presents an exciting opportunity to explore how the NBA landscape might have changed.
### The Draft Day Decision
In the 1987 NBA Draft, Pippen was selected 5th overall by the Seattle Supersonics. However, he was quickly traded to the Chicago Bulls, where he would flourish. If the Supersonics had kept him, it could have altered the course of both franchises dramatically.
#### Possible Implications:
– **Supersonics Dynasty**: With Pippen’s skills, the Supersonics could have formed a powerful duo with Gary Payton, leading to potential championships in the 1990s.
– **Bulls Without Pippen**: The Bulls may not have achieved the same level of success, potentially impacting Michael Jordan’s legacy.
– **NBA Landscape Changes**: Pippen’s presence in Seattle could have shifted the balance of power in the Western Conference.
### Pippen’s Impact on the Supersonics
#### Offensive Dynamics
– **Scoring Ability**: Pippen’s versatility as a scorer would have added depth to the Supersonics’ offense.
– **Playmaking Skills**: His ability to facilitate plays could have enhanced the performances of teammates like Shawn Kemp and Sam Perkins.
#### Defensive Strength
– **Defensive Anchor**: Pippen was known for his defensive tenacity, which could have transformed the Supersonics into one of the league’s premier defensive teams.
– **Matchup Problems**: With Pippen defending the opposing team’s best players, the Supersonics could have gained a significant advantage in many matchups.
## Benefits of Pippen in Seattle
1. **Increased Visibility**: Pippen’s star power would have drawn more attention to Seattle, elevating the city’s status in the NBA.
2. **Fan Excitement**: A Pippen-led Supersonics team would have energized the fanbase, increasing attendance and local support.
3. **Rivalries**: The Pacific Northwest could have seen fierce rivalries develop with teams like the Utah Jazz and San Antonio Spurs.
## Case Studies: Other Players and What If Scenarios
### Kevin Durant and the Thunder
A recent “What If” scenario involves Kevin Durant, who played for the Seattle Supersonics before the team relocated. What if Durant had stayed with the Thunder for his entire career?
- **Potential Championships**: A core comprising Durant, Russell Westbrook, and Pippen could have led to multiple championships.
– **Impact on League**: Their dominance would have reshaped rivalries and the overall power dynamics in the NBA.
### LeBron James in Cleveland
What if LeBron James never left Cleveland?
– **Cleveland’s Legacy**: He might have brought championships to the Cavs earlier, altering the course of the NBA in the 2000s and 2010s.
## First-Hand Experiences: Pippen’s Reflections
Scottie Pippen has often reflected on his career, sharing insights about how different decisions could have led to different outcomes. According to Pippen:
– **Team Dynamics**: “Playing with different players significantly changes your style and the chemistry of a team. Seattle would have been a different experience.”
– **Legacy**: “It’s fascinating to think how one trade can change the narrative of an entire franchise. Seattle had the potential to be a dynasty.”
### Notable Quotes
– “You never know how things would have turned out, but the thought of winning in Seattle is exciting.”
– “The bond with teammates can shape your career in ways you cannot predict.”
## Practical Tips for Aspiring Basketball Players
1. **Versatility**: Like Pippen, develop multiple skills to elevate your game. Being a well-rounded player opens doors.
2. **Teamwork**: Understand the dynamics of playing with different teammates. Adaptability is key.
3. **Defensive Focus**: Prioritize defense. Pippen’s impact on the court was as much about stopping opponents as it was about scoring.
## Conclusion
While Scottie Pippen’s tenure with the Chicago Bulls solidified his place in NBA history, the hypothetical scenario of him in Seattle presents an engaging narrative. The ramifications of such a move echo throughout the league, offering a glimpse into the “What If” possibilities that shape sports history. The Supersonics could have become a powerhouse, and Pippen’s legacy might have taken an entirely different turn, serving as a reminder of how pivotal moments can define a career and a franchise.
