Scottie Pippen Partnership

From a recruited scholarship player at UCA to a six-time champion with the Bulls.

Scottie Pippen played basketball at Central Arkansas, where his physical transformation became a defining chapter of his early career. Initially joining as a 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) recruit who earned a scholarship after his growth spurt, he experienced significant growth by the start of his sophomore season, reaching 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m). His time at Central Arkansas laid the groundwork for an NBA career that would see him drafted fifth overall in 1987 by the Seattle SuperSonics, only to be immediately traded to the Chicago Bulls along with Olden Polynice and a future first-round pick for the rights to Scottie Pippen.

Quick Facts

Affiliation: Chicago Bulls (1987–1998)

Facts from the source article.

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, the Bulls traded Olden Polynice and a future first-round pick to the SuperSonics for Scottie Pippen. 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.

Did You Know?

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).