Pippen Picks Up Blazers: When Scottie Took His Talents to Portland (and Almost Brought Home Another Ring)
Ah, Scottie Pippen. The Robin to Michael Jordan's Batman. The ultimate sidekick (although some might argue he deserved more credit than that). But did you know Pip had a whole other chapter in his basketball life, one that involved lumberjack shirts and misty Oregon mornings? That's right, we're talking about his stint with the Portland Trail Blazers!
 |
| What Year Did Scottie Pippen Play For The Portland Trail Blazers |
From Windy City to Rip City: The Trade That Shook the League (Kind Of)
It was 1999, folks. The Bulls dynasty was over, Jordan was playing baseball (and not looking so hot doing it, let's be honest), and Pippen was looking for a new place to call home. Enter the Portland Trail Blazers, a team with a young and exciting core but missing that veteran presence, that championship pedigree.
The trade went down, and whispers started swirling. Could Pippen, even past his prime, be the missing piece to get the Blazers over the hump? Spoiler alert: he wasn't. But that's not the whole story!
Pippen in Portland: Not Quite MJ, But Still Pretty Darn Good
Sure, Pippen's days of averaging 20 points a night were over. But he brought something even more valuable to the Blazers: his basketball IQ, his lockdown defense (remember that steal on John Starks in the '94 Finals? Yeah, Pippen could still get it done on that end), and his championship experience.
The Blazers made the playoffs all four years Pippen was there, even reaching the Western Conference Finals in 2000. But that championship ring just wouldn't come. The Lakers, with a young Kobe Bryant and a determined Shaquille O'Neal, had other plans.
QuickTip: Treat each section as a mini-guide.
Pippin's Legacy in Portland: More Than Just a Pit Stop
Pippen's time with the Blazers might not have ended with a Larry O'Brien trophy, but it was a significant chapter in his career. He helped mentor a young generation of players, brought a winning mentality to the team, and even got a standing ovation from Chicago Bulls fans during his return (talk about class act!).
So, to answer the burning question you've all been waiting for:
What year did Scottie Pippen play for the Portland Trail Blazers?
Drumroll, please...
Tip: Summarize each section in your own words.
1999 to 2003!
Blazers Pippen FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered (Probably)
How to sound like a Blazers fan during Pippen's era?
 |
Throw on some plaid, yell "Rip City!" at the top of your lungs, and be prepared for some heartbreak (but also moments of pure joy).
How many games did Pippen average with the Blazers?
QuickTip: Revisit posts more than once.
Around 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. Not too shabby for a guy supposedly past his prime!
How did Blazers fans react to Pippen's arrival?
There was excitement, for sure. But also some skepticism. Could a one-time Robin truly become a leading man?
How close did the Blazers get to a championship with Pippen?
QuickTip: Go back if you lost the thread.
Western Conference Finals in 2000. Lakers said no.
How to appreciate Pippen's time in Portland?
Look beyond the rings (or lack thereof). See it as a chance for a legend to experience a new chapter, to mentor young talent, and to leave his mark on a different kind of basketball city.
 |
