Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen were key to the Chicago Bulls’ defense during their successful run in the 1990s. Jordan won the Defensive Player of the Year Award in 1988 and has one more All-Defensive First Team selection than Pippen.
While statistics may favor Jordan, many players who faced them argue otherwise in discussions about defense. Jordan’s offensive skills are well-known, but some believe Pippen was the stronger defender.
Reggie Miller shares his views on the Jordan vs. Pippen defense debate
Reggie Miller faced both players in several playoff series during the ’90s and supports Pippen as the more challenging defender.
Jordan played 1,072 games, collecting 6,672 rebounds, with 5,004 on defense. His averages included 167.6 steals and 59.5 blocks per season. Pippen, on the other hand, played in 1,178 games, securing 7,494 total rebounds, with 5,426 on the defensive side. His averages were 135.7 steals and 55.7 blocks per season. Statistically, Jordan has the edge.
However, Miller believes Pippen’s impact goes beyond the numbers. In an appearance on “The Dan Patrick Show,” he explained why Pippen was the more effective defender.
“Scottie was capable of guarding all positions. While Mike was great too—and I had some of my best games against him—when Scottie was on me, it was a different challenge,” Miller said.