Wed Jun 25 02:50:00 UTC 2025: **Pippen, Not Jordan, Was Heart of ’90s Bulls, Teammates Say**

**Chicago, IL -** While Michael Jordan’s name is synonymous with the Chicago Bulls’ dynasty of the 1990s, a new look at the team dynamic reveals a different story: Scottie Pippen was the glue that held the team together, according to former teammates.

In a report resurfaced from a 2010 interview, Horace Grant revealed that Pippen was overwhelmingly the most popular player in the Bulls’ locker room. Where Jordan’s leadership style was described as demanding and even “tyrannical,” Pippen was known for his approachability, humor, and compassion. “He was the most popular teammate we had,” Grant said. “You could laugh with him and joke, and he wasn’t the kind of guy who got mad. He was a fun teammate, fun to be around and always cared about everyone. If you had a problem, you could always talk it out with him.”

Even Steve Kerr, who famously engaged in a physical altercation with Jordan, echoed Grant’s sentiment. He described Jordan as the “harda–,” constantly pushing his teammates to the edge, while Pippen provided the necessary balance. “Scottie was the one who balanced everything out,” Kerr said. “He would put his arms around you and make sure you are ok with all the difficulty that you had to face being a member of that time. Scottie was beloved by everybody, including Michael.”

Pippen’s leadership was put to the test during Jordan’s first retirement after the 1992-93 season. Stepping into the lead role, Pippen guided the Bulls to an impressive 55-27 record. While they didn’t secure a championship that year, Grant believes that season showcased Pippen’s natural leadership abilities. “That season showed his leadership and that he could carry a team,” Grant stated. “He had to step into that role, and he did, and we were successful, more than anyone thought we ever could be.” Pippen even finished third in MVP voting, earning All-NBA First Team and All-Defensive First Team honors.

The report suggests that Pippen’s unselfish play style and approachable personality made him the ideal teammate, offering a vital counterbalance to Jordan’s intense competitiveness and creating a winning formula for the Bulls.

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