What Happened to Scotty Maurice Pippen Sr.?

Scottie Pippen's journey from a humble upbringing in Hamburg, Arkansas, to becoming one of the NBA's 50 Greatest Players is a testament to his multifaceted talent and relentless work ethic. Drafted 5th overall in 1987 and immediately traded to the Chicago Bulls, Pippen quickly became an indispensable force alongside Michael Jordan, forming one of the most dominant duos in sports history. His exceptional defensive prowess, playmaking, and all-around game were crucial to the Bulls securing two 'three-peats' in the 1990s, winning six NBA championships (1991-1993, 1996-1998) and earning him seven All-Star selections and eight NBA All-Defensive First Team honors.

However, Pippen's financial narrative during his playing career was complex. He signed a long-term, team-friendly contract early in his Bulls tenure (a 7-year, $18 million extension in 1991), which provided security but significantly underpaid him during the peak of the Bulls' dynasty when NBA salaries were rapidly escalating. This contract became a source of public frustration for Pippen, who felt he deserved more equitable compensation for his contributions. Despite this, he amassed over $109 million in career earnings, with the majority coming from later contracts with the Houston Rockets and Portland Trail Blazers after leaving Chicago in 1998.

Post-retirement in 2004, Pippen transitioned into various roles, including team ambassador for the Bulls and a basketball analyst. His personal life also saw significant developments, including his high-profile divorce from Larsa Pippen, which was finalized in December 2021 after a tumultuous on-again, off-again separation. The divorce proceedings included Larsa being awarded a significant portion of his 401k savings plan in August 2023. Pippen also faced financial setbacks, notably a fraud case involving his former financial advisor, Robert Lunn, who was sentenced to prison in 2016 for forging Pippen's name on a loan and mismanaging investments, costing Pippen millions.

A significant turning point in his public narrative came with the release of 'The Last Dance' documentary in April 2020. Initially, Pippen was highly critical of the series, feeling it glorified Michael Jordan at the expense of his teammates and portrayed him as a 'prop.' He voiced his displeasure in his 2021 memoir, 'Unguarded,' which offered his unfiltered perspective on his career and relationship with Jordan. However, by January 2025, Pippen had softened his stance, calling 'The Last Dance' a 'great documentary' and acknowledging its positive impact during the pandemic.

As of March 2026, Pippen remains active in various ventures. His net worth is estimated at $20 million. He has launched a luxury clothing brand called 'Unguarded' and is exploring the burgeoning cryptocurrency space, with plans to tokenize his 1991 championship basketball through a project called $BALL. In March 2024, he and Larsa Pippen were named in a $250 million lawsuit by an alleged ex-girlfriend for stalking and harassment. Most recently, in March 2026, Pippen featured in a documentary-style ad campaign for Mr. Pibb, humorously addressing the perception of being 'second best,' a clear nod to his career alongside Jordan. His son, Scotty Pippen Jr., who plays for the Memphis Grizzlies, underwent season-ending toe surgery on March 17, 2026, with an expected recovery for the 2026-27 season.