‘Michael Was Here Seven Years Before the Rings’ — The Overlooked Truth About Scottie Pippen’s Role in the Bulls Dynasty That Even Teammates Say Fans Still Don’t Fully Understand
When people think of the Chicago Bulls dynasty of the 1990s, one name comes first: Michael Jordan. Six championships, six Finals MVPs, a perfect record on basketball’s biggest stage — it’s no wonder he is widely regarded as the greatest player of all time.
But as dominant as Jordan was, history often glosses over the fact that it wasn’t until Scottie Pippen arrived and grew into his role that the Bulls truly became a dynasty. Former Bulls center Bill Wennington summed it up in one striking statement years later:
“Michael was here seven years before they started winning championships.”
Why Pippen changed everything
Jordan entered the league in 1984 and quickly became a scoring machine, dazzling fans with his athleticism and competitive fire. Yet from 1984 to 1990, the Bulls never got past the Eastern Conference Finals, repeatedly falling short against powerhouses like the Boston Celtics and the Detroit Pistons.
The turning point came when Chicago traded on draft night in 1987 to acquire a lanky forward out of Central Arkansas: Scottie Pippen. At first, Pippen was raw, but as his skills developed, his impact on the court was undeniable. He defended the other team’s best perimeter player, handled playmaking duties, rebounded, and scored when needed.
In short, he did all the things Jordan didn’t have to — allowing MJ to shine brighter while making the Bulls a complete team. By 1991, when Chicago finally broke through against the Pistons’ “Bad Boys,” Pippen had become the perfect counterpart.
The ultimate sidekick — but more than that
Wennington and other Bulls role players have consistently noted that Pippen wasn’t just a star on the court — he was the glue in the locker room. Jordan, for all his greatness, was notoriously demanding, often berating teammates to push them to his standard of excellence. That leadership style produced results, but it also created tension.
Pippen provided balance. His laid-back demeanor, approachable personality, and willingness to put the team first made him the most popular player among many of his peers. He was the calm to Jordan’s storm — the voice that kept teammates from burning out under MJ’s intensity.
As Wennington once explained:
“What was the problem? [Michael] needed someone who agreed that you needed to go up the court and work your backside off to get it done. And Scottie was that guy who came in and said, ‘Yeah, I will do that. And you know what? If I’m the second man, that’s OK.’”
No Scottie, no rings
While Jordan’s Finals record is untouchable, it’s crucial to remember the context: he never won without Pippen by his side. From 1991 to 1998, the Bulls won six championships in eight seasons — all with the Jordan-Pippen duo leading the way.
Even in 1993-94, when Jordan briefly retired, Pippen proved he could carry the franchise, finishing third in MVP voting and keeping Chicago in contention despite falling short in the playoffs.
The overlooked legacy
For decades, the narrative has been simple: Michael Jordan led the Bulls to greatness. But those who were in the locker room — like Wennington — insist the story isn’t complete without acknowledging Pippen’s role.
He wasn’t just Jordan’s sidekick. He was a defensive genius, a playmaker ahead of his time, and a teammate whose selflessness allowed the Bulls’ dynasty to flourish.
Decades later, the quote still resonates: Michael may have been the face of the Bulls, but without Scottie Pippen, there may never have been any rings.
