The Last Dance: Episode 2
For Episode 2, I will be talking about the impact and development of Scottie Pippen as a player. More importantly, how his "underdog" label has defined and inspired the modern journey of most athletes today.
I felt this episode was revolved a lot on the idea that the Bulls organization did rely too heavily on one player. Granted, he's still the goat. But, it goes to show that not everything is as what it seems to be. Michael Jordan wouldn't be the player he is without his supporting cast. They were just as worthy of awards as he was. Because their presence was that dominant. For example, a man named Scottie Pippin was like checkmate in chess.
What was also interesting is, as great of teammates and friends they were, they both grew up in different settings. They both had the same level of superior greatness, except it was their decisions that made the difference. When Pippen got offered into the league, he signed a very poor contract setup. In fact, it wasn't a smart or logical deal, as he would be with the Bulls for 5 years. Only making 18 million in total (which sounds like a lot to us average workers, but this is awful for a professional athlete in the NBA). As a top athlete and currently in the hall of fame, Pippen would be ranked as 122nd in NBA player salaries.
Was he wrong? Was he right? The conversation is something a lot of people discuss and talk about. From my perspective, I believed he was going to take anything for the well being of his family. Michael Jordan had an overall stable home life. Pippen's family was a bit more complicated. He was the youngest of 12 siblings in Hamburg, Arkansas.
After seeing some tragic events, I believed Pippen sacrificed what he felt was right. He used that 18 million to help take care of those that he loved. Whether it was a good deal or not. However, when news hit that Pippen's pay did not equal his level of talent, I believe the stress eventually got to him. He finally began to start thinking for himself. After all these NBA titles, the interviews, and even ceremonies, it probably began to anger him slightly. Thinking maybe,
"why can't I not get paid more? I earned this. I deserve it."
But, contracts are always fishy and complicated, especially for professional athletes. Seeing in the first episode, as Michael had issues with the head of management already, it was somewhat a lost cause. Michael also believed that Pippen was going too far with the issue and that he should just let it go. That there was no use in stressing it because no matter what, the organization was never going to rework and give him a better contract. That was the selfishness of the leaders that worked in the bulls industry. But, in reality, it was just business, and Pippen signed away a deal that made him stuck in financial time.
Eventually, he does leave the team in the future. But, that's just how things go. Sometimes, you can control where you go and what happens. But, it doesn't always go in your favor. That's why I mentioned before that the difference of greatness comes down to decisions. Pippen decided to act on his emotions and for self-worth, as he already sacrificed most things in the past for the well-being of his family. He felt he deserved to be heard and treated fairly. At the same time, there is an imbalance in that. He could have gotten a better deal if he had waited. Also, because he has been with the team for some time now, it would be complicated to bring up the past and demand immediate change. Because nobody was realistically entitled to it.
However, even if he had not taken that deal, would Michael Jordan still be the player he is? Would he still be eating at the same table as the pope? Many questions, many answers, but only one solution. One choice decision. It happened and it's done.
A lot of us could learn that luck does play a role in the lives of many people. We all have talents and gifts, but its how we proceed with them. It is about being in the right place at the right time. Like meeting the love of your life or achieving an award. The universe shows you the pieces and after that, it's the endgame.
What are you going to do next and why?
I felt this episode was revolved a lot on the idea that the Bulls organization did rely too heavily on one player. Granted, he's still the goat. But, it goes to show that not everything is as what it seems to be. Michael Jordan wouldn't be the player he is without his supporting cast. They were just as worthy of awards as he was. Because their presence was that dominant. For example, a man named Scottie Pippin was like checkmate in chess.
What was also interesting is, as great of teammates and friends they were, they both grew up in different settings. They both had the same level of superior greatness, except it was their decisions that made the difference. When Pippen got offered into the league, he signed a very poor contract setup. In fact, it wasn't a smart or logical deal, as he would be with the Bulls for 5 years. Only making 18 million in total (which sounds like a lot to us average workers, but this is awful for a professional athlete in the NBA). As a top athlete and currently in the hall of fame, Pippen would be ranked as 122nd in NBA player salaries.
Was he wrong? Was he right? The conversation is something a lot of people discuss and talk about. From my perspective, I believed he was going to take anything for the well being of his family. Michael Jordan had an overall stable home life. Pippen's family was a bit more complicated. He was the youngest of 12 siblings in Hamburg, Arkansas.
"why can't I not get paid more? I earned this. I deserve it."
But, contracts are always fishy and complicated, especially for professional athletes. Seeing in the first episode, as Michael had issues with the head of management already, it was somewhat a lost cause. Michael also believed that Pippen was going too far with the issue and that he should just let it go. That there was no use in stressing it because no matter what, the organization was never going to rework and give him a better contract. That was the selfishness of the leaders that worked in the bulls industry. But, in reality, it was just business, and Pippen signed away a deal that made him stuck in financial time.
However, even if he had not taken that deal, would Michael Jordan still be the player he is? Would he still be eating at the same table as the pope? Many questions, many answers, but only one solution. One choice decision. It happened and it's done.
A lot of us could learn that luck does play a role in the lives of many people. We all have talents and gifts, but its how we proceed with them. It is about being in the right place at the right time. Like meeting the love of your life or achieving an award. The universe shows you the pieces and after that, it's the endgame.
What are you going to do next and why?
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