The silence between Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen speaks louder than any championship celebration ever did. Two legends who once moved in perfect harmony on basketball’s biggest stage now can’t find common ground off it. After six championships and two three-peats that defined an era, their fractured friendship has become one of sports’ most heartbreaking feuds.
What Will It Take for Jordan and Pippen to End Their Feud?
Horace Grant thinks he knows the answer. The former Bulls forward, who played alongside both superstars during their dominant run, believes the solution is simpler than most people think.
“I think it’s going to take putting the egos aside, putting the pride aside,” Grant said on Gimme the Hot Sauce podcast with Bulls alum Stacey King. “Once that happened, that opened the doors up to communication.
“Two of the best leaders I ever played under. MJ, when he was here, when he was with the Bulls, before he retired, the best leader, and after he retired, Scottie became that undeniable leader. But MJ and Pip put the egos aside and the pride because we’ve done things in Chicago with the Bulls with that team that a lot of other professional team have never accomplished.”
Grant’s message is clear: their shared legacy should matter more than their personal grievances. The numbers don’t lie: two three-peats in one decade, six championships in eight years when both were healthy and playing together. That level of sustained excellence remains unmatched in modern basketball.
The former power forward sees hope on the horizon, particularly through his ongoing conversations with Pippen. “Two three-peats piece like that? Come on, man. That’s incredible. But I hope and pray and believe me, I talk to Pippen a lot. A lot. And he’s starting to understand that we’re not getting any younger at all. I’m 60. He’s going to be 60 in September. So hopefully they’ll have peace. Got my fingers crossed.”
How Did The Last Dance Damage Their Relationship?
The current tension stems largely from how The Last Dance documentary portrayed their partnership. Pippen felt the series painted him as a secondary figure in the Bulls’ success, diminishing his contributions to those championship teams. That frustration opened the floodgates for Pippen to speak more candidly about his complicated relationship with Jordan.
Personal matters complicated things further when Jordan’s son dated Pippen’s ex-wife, adding another layer of awkwardness to an already strained relationship.
The documentary also reminded everyone of Jordan’s notorious approach to leadership during those championship years. Jordan had a reputation for being ruthlessly demanding with teammates, often crossing lines that would be unacceptable in today’s NBA. His methods worked because he delivered results, but they left lasting scars on some relationships.
Despite Jordan’s harsh leadership style, having Pippen as his partner elevated the Bulls from great to legendary. Pippen’s versatility, basketball IQ, and ability to handle Jordan’s intensity made him the perfect complement to basketball’s most competitive player. Together, they created a dynasty that defined 1990s basketball.
Those championship teams will forever be remembered for their dominance and consistency. But for that legacy to feel complete, fans hope Jordan and Pippen can eventually find their way back to mutual respect. As Grant pointed out, reconciliation requires both sides to participate. Time will tell if two aging legends can swallow their pride for the sake of their shared history.
