Number retired? Check.
Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame? Check.
Bronze statue in the United Center? Soon to be check.
According to Adam Fluck of Bulls.com: “The Chicago Bulls have plans to unveil a bronze statue of Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen that will be displayed permanently in the United Center at some point towards the end of the 2010-11 season. … The statue will be crafted by Omri and Julie Rotblatt-Amrany of Highland Park, Ill., who also sculpted the famous Michael Jordan statue which was unveiled in January 1994 in conjunction with Jordan’s No. 23 jersey retirement.”
Said Pippen: “Words really can’t express my feelings. It’s an unbelievable honor and truly amazing. It’s something you dream of as a kid growing up, but you can never foresee those childhood fantasies becoming reality. You see statues of individuals who have done great things and made their mark on history, but as a basketball player, you never really think about arriving at this point. It’s an amazing honor for the Chicago Bulls to do this for me.
“I’m more excited now when I look back at what we were able to accomplish. My playing years went by so fast, but I’m happy I was able to make my mark on the game. It’s hard to take a deep breath and look back on it all. At the same time, you are always trying to get to the next level and accomplish something new. I’m at a point now where I can really appreciate what I did throughout my career. To enjoy those things and reap some of the benefits now is very special to experience.”
As honors go, this one is about as well-deserved as they get.
What famous Pippen moment do you think will get immortalized? Sitting on the bench holding his head? Throwing the chair on the court?
All kidding aside, I’m glad that he is a permanent and honored part of Bulls history. Many Bulls fans may have come to watch Jordan, but are glad they stayed to watch Pippen.
Maybe they should honor all of the role players with statues: BJ Armstrong, Steve Kerr, the three-headed monster, Rodman, Ho Grant.
Of course, the way they came and went they should just make the statues out of paper mache.
@BadDave, maybe not statues but possibly plaques. Maybe the Bulls could set up 2 three-peat tribute alcoves with plaques of all the players that were on the rosters for each three-peat. It would add to the experience of going to the United Center.
@Wes, by committing to this statue the Bulls are confirming that MJ and Scottie are inseparable, like ying/yang. I believe that they are also confirming that without both there would have been no championships.
I like that idea, having plaques for both sets of 3-peat teams. Also, very happy to see Scottie get a statue. Kind of wonder if it’ll be in Jordan’s statue’s shadow though. 😛
Now that this will happen I have to think Rose will be looking at this and realizing he can get a statue if he brings some championships to Chicago. That thought would likely motivate him all the more, if that’s even possible.
There are no shadows. He will be one of two statues outside the stadium. His accomplishments, stats, and contribution to the Bulls organization speak for themselves. Well deserved! As Jordan said every single one of the championships he won Scottie was by his side. Not sure all that would happen without Pippen, most think it still would have been a fore gone conclusion. I don’t.
Take note that it is a statue INSIDE the United Center, not outside like Jordan’s. The distinction, however slight should only be obsessed by someone like Jordan. I think everyone else will just enjoy that there will be a reminder of one of the key players of those Bulls championship runs. Let’s not forget that the banners in the rafters do a pretty good job of honoring the players that were part of each team!
Matt,
How about a post on the “Jordan Rides the Bus” 30 for 30 documentary????