The Year of Retirement- When Scottie Pippen Bids Farewell to the Basketball Court
What year did Scottie Pippen retire? This question often comes up when discussing the legendary career of one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Scottie Pippen, known for his defensive prowess and offensive skills, hung up his sneakers in 2005, marking the end of an illustrious career that spanned 17 seasons in the NBA.
Scottie Pippen was born on September 5, 1965, in Kankakee, Illinois. He attended high school at Peoria Central High School, where he was a three-time all-state player. Pippen was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in the first round of the 1987 NBA Draft, and from that moment on, he began a journey that would lead him to become one of the most respected players in the league.
During his time with the Bulls, Pippen played alongside Michael Jordan, forming one of the most iconic duos in NBA history. Together, they won six NBA championships from 1991 to 1998, a feat that has never been matched. Pippen’s defensive ability was unmatched, as he was named an NBA All-Star 11 times and won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in 1996.
After the Bulls’ championship run, Pippen signed with the Houston Rockets in 1999. He spent two seasons with the Rockets before moving on to the Portland Trail Blazers in 2001. Pippen’s time with the Trail Blazers was brief, as he played just one season before signing with the Chicago Bulls again in 2002.
In his final season with the Bulls, Pippen played in 66 games and averaged 9.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. Despite his age and the physical toll of his career, Pippen remained a valuable player for the Bulls. However, the team decided to let him go after the season, and he signed with the Seattle SuperSonics in 2004.
Pippen’s final season with the SuperSonics was a struggle, as he played in just 15 games and averaged 2.4 points per game. After the season, he announced his retirement from the NBA, bringing an end to a career that had seen him achieve so much.
In addition to his success on the court, Pippen has also been recognized for his contributions off the court. He has been involved in various charitable endeavors and has used his platform to speak out on social issues. Despite his retirement, Scottie Pippen remains a beloved figure in the NBA and a symbol of the game’s rich history.
So, to answer the question, what year did Scottie Pippen retire? The answer is 2005, a year that marked the end of a remarkable career and the beginning of a new chapter in the life of one of basketball’s greatest players.
