Pippen vs. Jordan: Who was the better defensive player?

[Scott Pippen]

^

And while not as significant in anyway just another simple, but excellent defensive possession like this from the Dobermans.

From 8:11 to 8:23.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQzWCavgF9o

Just little things like this make you miss those guys so much.

[OldSchoolBBall]

^

And while not as significant in anyway just another simple, but excellent defensive possession like this from the Dobermans.

From 8:11 to 8:23.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQzWCavgF9o

Just little things like this make you miss those guys so much.

There's a tremendous defensive play by both Pippen and Jordan vs. the Sonics in 1997, I think. They're at Chicago, I know that (I have the game on VHS somewhere in my collection).

Anyway, Payton gets a steal and starts the break with Hawkins and Kemp running. Pippen and Jordan both hustle back. Pippen is measuring Payton the whole way, and Jordan is running down the middle to disrupt any passes (Payton is wide, not in the center of the break). Jordan actually slows up his stride and stutters to cut off a potential pass near the FT line, and then continues forward after Payton commits to a layup. Pippen takes off of one foot, MJ off two feet, and they both pin GP's layup to the glass at the exact same time, with the ball falling out of bounds and the three of them all falling to the ground in a heap. Ridiculous play. I remember Doc Rivers (doing commentary at that time) saying "who do you give that block to?" Jordan and Pippen literally swallowed Payton's layup. I've always wished someone could get this play online (I can't convert VHS).

[Scott Pippen]

^ Yes I have memory of that play, but do not have the video footage. Really there have been countless defensive plays where you saw them make it look maybe not easy all the time, but routine.

[Da_Realist]

^ Yes I have memory of that play, but do not have the video footage. Really there have been countless defensive plays where you saw them make it look maybe not easy all the time, but routine.

I didn't see Norm Van Lier and Jerry Sloan play, but I can't imagine a better defensive perimeter team than the early 90's Bulls. The 88-90 Pistons are a close second.

[Bush4Ever]

I think Pippen's versatility allowed him to be more valuable to overall team defense, compared to Jordan.

But yeah, this is arguably arguing 1a and 1b of all-time perimeter defensive players.

[Stacey King]

I think Pippen's versatility allowed him to be more valuable to overall team defense, compared to Jordan.

But yeah, this is arguably arguing 1a and 1b of all-time perimeter defensive players.

Couldn't agree more.

[phoenix18]

I think Pippen's versatility allowed him to be more valuable to overall team defense, compared to Jordan.

But yeah, this is arguably arguing 1a and 1b of all-time perimeter defensive players.

I actually thought that Payton was just as good a defender. But between these two I would have to go with Pippen.

[Roundball_Rock]

Good analysis, Da_Realist!

Phoenix Payton was great as well but he was only 6'4". I give Pippen the edge over him because he could guard all perimeter players as well as PF's. Payton's size limited him to guards.

[Scott Pippen]

I can't imagine a better defensive perimeter team than the early 90's Bulls. The 88-90 Pistons are a close second.

Especially their full court press.

[imdaman99]

Here is arguably the greatest Bulls defensive moment. It is mainly Pippen but MJ and Grant pitched in as well. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnoZP...AC85DE&index=1

F*CK you for posting that.

[xtn5021]

Better one on one defender was Jordan.

[White Chocolate]

Pippen was the more versatile of the two, mainly because he was bigger. He could guard positions 1-4. MJ at best could only guard 1-3.

[Toizumi]

Great responses in this thread. Jordan was scary when he played on ball defense, but I to go with Pip and his long *ss arms Best defensive player never to win a DPOY award.

[Roundball_Rock]

Best defensive player never to win a DPOY award.

Yup. This is proof that prime Pippen was actually underrated.

[Da_Realist]

Here is arguably the greatest Bulls defensive moment. It is mainly Pippen but MJ and Grant pitched in as well. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnoZP...AC85DE&index=1

Can anyone tell me why Pippen is not credited for the 2 blocks at the end of the game in the stat sheet?

I wonder if there are other errors on basketball-reference