Former Phoenix Suns icon Eddie Johnson is now sparking a debate that’s spreading like wildfire. When debates arise about NBA legends, the obvious ones are: Michael Jordan inside.This time, however, Johnson favors chicago bulls icon Scottie Pippen, trying to appear indifferent. Well, MJ’s supporters have risen and now it’s hard for Johnson to prove his point.
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Michael Jordan remains undefeated in the NBA Finals. In six appearances in the Finals, the Bulls champion has gotten the job done. And, he won the Finals MVP in all six fights. But at the same time, Pippen is also an X factor for the Bulls.
Eddie Johnson wanted to show that. I shared a unique situation that showed how Scottie Pippen surpassed Jordan in some aspects. He also added, “It’s amazing that when people talk about Scottie, he’s not labeled 6-0! Statistics don’t lie, right?”.
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Sadly, netizens didn’t like this because it backfired on Johnson.
Michael Jordan defends 14-time NBA All-Star against Scottie Pippen
For much of the NBA Finals, Scottie Pippen surpassed Jordan in assists, rebounds, blocks and steals. However, one fan pointed out that in terms of points per game, Michael Jordan averaged at least 10 points higher than Pippen every year.
You did show the statistic that Jordan outscored Pippen by at least 10 points per game in each Finals.
— 💥🧪 (@ProBallKnower_) February 15, 2024
While this fan believed Pippen deserved the title “6-0,” one fan also viewed Pippen as “partner”. This is what MJ fans have always said about the Hall of Famer.
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Who doesn’t label him with 6s and 0s. But no matter what, he was a clear booster in their title run. And it’s still far away. Backed by our eyes and advanced statistics. Side kicks aren’t usually talked about as much as celebrities.
— Foe Knickerbocker (@FoePRVLGD) February 15, 2024
Despite surpassing Jordan in some key defensive statistics such as blocks, steals and rebounds, this netizen doesn’t want to put Scottie Pippen in the same conversation as their GOAT. One fan thought statistics alone couldn’t put someone in the same conversation as second best.
You can label him whatever you want, but he’s clearly the second-best player on that team.
— RobU (@RobUff35) February 15, 2024
While there is a difference in all of the above statistics, the difference is small. Scottie Pippen led the way most of the time with a handful of steals, assists or rebounds. Well, as one fan put it, these efforts are summed up as “Every star helps“.
OK Every star helps. MJ was clearly the leader of that team, though.
— Dr. Dunk (@DrDunk5) February 15, 2024
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Statistics may or may not lie, but Finals MVPs don’t. Fans returned to the most important and defining honor of Michael Jordan’s career to end the Johnson comparisons.
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Fans shared their thoughts. Although Eddie Johnson tried his best to express his ideas, it obviously didn’t work. In the comments section, Jordan’s followers far outnumbered Scottie Pippen’s supporters. While MJ is considered to have elite status, does the 7-time NBA All-Star have his share of the same debate? what do you think? Let us know in the comments below.
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