Scottie Pippen Biography: Scottie Pippen born September 25, 1965 is a former professional basketball player who is widely regarded as one of the greatest small forwards in NBA history. Over the course of his 17-season career, he won six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls, becoming an integral part of the team’s success during the 1990s. Pippen earned numerous accolades throughout his career, including eight consecutive selections to the NBA All-Defensive First Team and three appearances on the All-NBA First Team. He was a seven-time NBA All-Star and was named the NBA All-Star Game MVP in 1994. Pippen was also named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History during the 1996-97 season. His impact on the game was significant, helping to popularize the NBA globally and contributing greatly to the Bulls’ dominance.
Scottie Pippen Biography
Scottie Pippen is a former professional basketball player who had a remarkable 17-season career in the NBA. Known for his contributions to the Chicago Bulls’ six NBA championships, he played a pivotal role alongside Michael Jordan in elevating the team to dominance and in helping to globalize the NBA during the 1990s. Widely regarded as one of the greatest small forwards of all time, Pippen earned numerous accolades, including eight consecutive selections to the NBA All-Defensive First Team and three appearances on the All-NBA First Team. He was a seven-time NBA All-Star and won the NBA All-Star Game MVP in 1994. In recognition of his legendary status, Pippen was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in the 1996-97 season and is one of only four players to have his jersey retired by the Chicago Bulls, alongside Jerry Sloan, Bob Love, and Michael Jordan.
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Scottie Pippen Biography Details
Born
September 25, 1965 (age 59)
Hamburg, Arkansas, U.S.
Scotty Maurice Pippen Sr., usually spelled Scottie Pippen, is an American former professional basketball player. He played 17 seasons in the National Basketball Association, winning six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls.
Born: 25 September 1965 (age 59 years), Hamburg, Arkansas, United States
Scottie Pippen was born in Hamburg, Arkansas, to parents Ethel (1923–2016) and Preston Pippen (1920–1990). He was one of 12 children, and he was the tallest among them. His mother stood at 6 feet (180 cm), while his father was 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm). Due to financial constraints, his parents were unable to send their other children to college. His father worked at a paper mill until he suffered a stroke, which paralyzed his right side, impaired his ability to walk, and affected his speech. Tragically, six years earlier, Pippen’s second-oldest brother had also become paralyzed from an injury during a high school PE class. Pippen attended Hamburg High School, where he played point guard and led his team to the state playoffs. Despite earning all-conference honors as a senior, he did not receive any college scholarship offers.
Notable Teams: Chicago Bulls, Portland Trail Blazers, Houston Rockets
Major Achievements: 6× NBA Champion, 7× NBA All-Star, 2× Hall of Fame Inductee
Family Background
Born into a family of 12 children, Scottie grew up in a humble household in Hamburg, Arkansas. His father, Preston, suffered a stroke that left him paralyzed, creating further challenges for the family. Despite financial difficulties, Scottie developed a passion for basketball early on. He attended Hamburg High School, where he showed promise but received little college attention. He eventually enrolled at the University of Central Arkansas, where a growth spurt and relentless work ethic helped him blossom into a standout player.
Career Beginnings and Key Milestones
Scottie Pippen’s journey to the NBA is a testament to his perseverance and drive. After starting as an equipment manager at Central Arkansas, he made the basketball team and quickly impressed scouts with his talents. In the 1987 NBA Draft, he was selected fifth overall by the Seattle Super Sonics, who immediately traded him to the Chicago Bulls. Under coach Phil Jackson, Pippen became a key player for the Bulls, known for his defensive skills, playmaking, and versatility. He teamed up with Michael Jordan, helping the Bulls win six championships between 1991 and 1998.
Key milestones in his career include:
1992 & 1993: NBA titles and first All-Star selection.
1992 Olympics: Part of the historic “Dream Team” that won gold.
1996: Named one of the 50 Greatest NBA Players.
Pippen also played for the Houston Rockets and Portland Trail Blazers before retiring briefly with the Bulls in 2003.
Notable Works and Achievements
Pippen’s career is filled with remarkable achievements:
6× NBA Champion (1991–1993, 1996–1998)
7× NBA All-Star
10× NBA All-Defensive Team
Named to both the NBA’s 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams
Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame twice, both individually and as a member of the 1992 Dream Team.
Pippen’s defensive prowess redefined the role of the forward position and earned him a reputation as one of the best to ever play the game.
Scottie Pippen’s personal life has frequently made headlines. He married Karen McCollum in 1988, and they had a son, Antron, before divorcing in 1990. In 1997, he married Larsa Younan, a TV personality from The Real Housewives of Miami, with whom he had four children: Scotty Jr., Preston, Justin, and Sophia. Their marriage ended in 2021. Additionally, Pippen has two daughters, Sierra and Taylor, from previous relationships. Tragically, his eldest son Antron passed away in 2021 due to complications from chronic asthma.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
Pippen is the only player to win both an NBA title and Olympic gold in the same year twice (1992, 1996).
He is best known as Michael Jordan’s right-hand man, often called his “ultimate sidekick.”
He featured prominently in the The Last Dancedocumentary, which reignited interest in the Bulls’ 1990s dynasty.
Charitable Work and Legacy
Scottie Pippen has remained committed to philanthropy throughout his life, contributing to youth programs, basketball camps, and various charitable causes. His legacy as a key figure in the NBA’s golden era is cemented, and he continues to inspire new generations of players and fans alike. Despite occasional controversies, including financial struggles and public disagreements with teammates, Pippen’s impact on basketball is undeniable, and his influence extends beyond his playing career.
Even after retirement, Scottie Pippen’s influence on basketball culture endures. Through media appearances, mentoring, and public engagements, he continues to shape the sport’s future. His legacy remains a cornerstone of NBA history and continues to inspire aspiring athletes around the world.
Scottie Pippen Net Worth 2025
As of 2025, Scottie Pippen’s estimated net worth is around $20 million. Despite earning over $100 million during his NBA career, Pippen faced financial challenges due to poor investments and mismanagement. Today, he sustains a comfortable lifestyle through endorsement deals with companies like Nike and McDonald’s, media ventures including his appearance in The Last Dance documentary, and his work as a sports commentator. Pippen also owns several properties and luxury vehicles.
