Scottie Pippen Says Some Bulls Players Unhappy With Michael Jordan Return

Scottie Pippen revealed that some Chicago Bulls players were uncomfortable with Michael Jordan's return in 1995, as Jordan's presence brought a different level of pressure that disrupted the team's established dynamics and chemistry. During Jordan's absence, Pippen had taken on the leadership role, and the team had grown comfortable without him, so Jordan's comeback forced them to readjust to a new hierarchy and heightened expectations. Derrick Rose chimed in on Jordan's legacy, suggesting Jordan's status as the greatest player of all time was heavily influenced by his career in Chicago, where the culture shaped him into the iconic figure known as 'MJ.' Additionally, George Gervin, an NBA great who played briefly alongside Jordan early in his career, is often overlooked despite his significant achievements and influence. The Bulls' transition back to championship form after Jordan's return culminated in three consecutive titles starting in 1996, though Pippen has criticized a recent documentary for overly glorifying Jordan while underrepresenting the contributions of his teammates. Overall, these perspectives highlight the complexity of Jordan's impact on the Bulls and the broader NBA culture.