Are Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen friends? A look into the Pippen-Jordan relationship

Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen met in 1987, three years after Chicago Bulls drafted Jordan. Over years, both players led Bulls to six NBA championships. However, first two episodes of recently released Michael Jordan's  Last Dance showed resentment Jordan harboured for Pippen missing ir final year's first half. After premiere of documentary and a look into Scottie Pippen career earnings, fans have asked – 'Are Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen friends?'

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second episode of highly anticipated docu-series focused on Pippen's underpaid contract with Bulls. Pippen, who signed a multi-year deal with Bulls, was apparently concerned that any injury would limit his playing abilities and he would have a short NBA career. By 1997-98 season, Pippen was clear about his issues with GM Jerry Krause. He mitted delaying his foot surgery till  end to season as he did not want to spoil his summer, indicating that contract problems were a part of that reason as well. He ded that Bulls were not going to be eager to have him, so he wanted to enjoy summer. 

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While he coach Phil Jackson and Steve Kerr were alright with Pippen's decisions, Jordan considered Pippen's decision 'selfish'. team underperformed for first half, starting season with a 0-4 record on ro. Jordan believed that Pippen could have h his surgery earlier and competed in season. At time, Jordan was reportedly making $33,140,000 in his final year with Bulls. Pippen was making $2,775,000. Though not confirmed, some reports have hinted that Jordan's contract and lack of support soured ir relationship as Bulls won ir sixth championship.

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