Scottie Pippen Partnership

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Lore & Background

After his collegiate growth spurt at Central Arkansas turned him into a starter, Pippen was selected by the Seattle SuperSonics with the fifth pick in the 1987 NBA draft. In a pivotal move that shaped basketball history, he was traded to the Chicago Bulls for Olden Polynice. It was in Chicago where his career flourished, spanning from 1987 to 1998 as a core member of the team's historic run. During this decade, Pippen helped lead the franchise to six NBA championships, securing titles in three consecutive years twice: first from 1991 to 1993, and again from 1996 to 1998. His versatility was recognized while he was still an active player when he was voted as one of the NBA's Top 50 Players of All-Time.

In Their Own Story

The narrative of Scottie Pippen is deeply rooted in his time at Central Arkansas, where he evolved from a short walk-on into a towering starter. This foundation propelled him to the NBA, where he spent the majority of his prime with the Chicago Bulls. His tenure there was marked by sustained excellence, resulting in six championships and a place among the league's greatest players. Even after leaving the Bulls, his career continued with stints for the Houston Rockets from 1998 to 1999 and the Portland Trail Blazers from 1999 to 2003. His legacy at UCA remains significant as well; since January 2010, his jersey number #33 has been retired and hangs in the rafters of the university arena, honoring the player who grew from a walk-on into an NBA legend.

Reader's Guide

For fans of Central Arkansas basketball or Chicago Bulls history, Scottie Pippen represents a unique trajectory from collegiate growth to professional dominance. His story at UCA highlights the importance of development, as he physically matured from 6 ft 2 in to 6 ft 7 in between his freshman and sophomore years, earning a starting spot for three seasons. Upon entering the NBA, his immediate trade to Chicago set the stage for six titles and All-NBA recognition. His #33 jersey retirement at UCA in January 2010 serves as a permanent reminder of this journey. Beyond the court, Pippen's life post-retirement includes living with his family in Los Angeles. The lineage continues through his son, Scotty Jr., who currently plays for the NBA's Memphis Grizzlies, extending the family's basketball legacy into the modern era.

Did You Know?

• Scottie Pippen was a 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) walk-on his first year at Central Arkansas before growing to 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) by his sophomore season.
• Pippen was drafted fifth overall in the 1987 NBA draft but was immediately traded from the Seattle SuperSonics to the Chicago Bulls for Olden Polynice.
• His #33 jersey at Central Arkansas has been retired and hangs in the rafters since January 2010.
• Pippen won six NBA championships with the Bulls, achieving two separate three-peats (1991–1993 and 1996–1998).
• His son, Scotty Jr., currently plays for the Memphis Grizzlies.