Confidence and Skills: Scottie Pippen Looks to the Future

In a revealing interview, Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen expressed his unwavering confidence in his ability to thrive in today's NBA. When asked how he would fare if he were playing now, Pippen stated, "I'd do very well." He acknowledged the evolution of the game, saying, "The game has changed, sure—it's more up and down now—but my style fit that kind of play even in the '80s and '90s. I don't think it would be a big challenge."

Pippen further asserted, "Yes, I think so," when questioned if he would rate as the top player in the league today. He added, "There's no reason to think otherwise. If I worked as hard as I did back then, I believe I'd easily be among the best." This confidence is not without merit; during his prime, Pippen was recognized for his versatility as a 6'8" point forward, capable of defending multiple positions and igniting fast breaks.

His unique skill set allowed him to create matchup problems for opponents—traits that are highly valued in the current style of basketball, which relies heavily on adaptable lineups. However, while Pippen's assertion of being the best in today's game sparks debate, he may be underestimating the current landscape of elite talent.

Although Pippen was an integral part of the Chicago Bulls dynasty, often overshadowed by Michael Jordan, it is a considerable leap to claim he would be the best player today. Historically, Pippen never held the title of the NBA's top player during his career. With the modern game placing an even greater emphasis on three-point shooting, a challenge for Pippen given his career average of 32.6 percent from beyond the arc, he would need to adapt his shooting to compete at the highest level.

In reality, Pippen would likely find himself as an All-Star and All-Defensive selection, maintaining a prominent role in the league—a reflection of his remarkable career.