Robert Horry Says Scottie Pippen Was ‘By Far’ a Better Defender Than Michael Jordan
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Seven-time NBA champion Robert Horry declared Friday that Scottie Pippen surpassed Michael Jordan defensively, calling Pippen the superior stopper “by far.” Horry made the remark during an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show.
“He’s the ultimate basketball player,” Horry said of Pippen. “When you think about a player who could guard every position on the floor, there’s only like three of those that’s ever existed.”
The former forward, who won championships with the Rockets (two), Lakers (three) and Spurs (two), argued that Pippen’s versatility allowed him to defend point guards through centers and to shoulder the scoring load when Jordan retired in 1993-94, a season in which Chicago still reached the Eastern Conference Finals.
Horry also pushed back on the notion that Pippen’s six titles came solely because of Jordan, suggesting the narrative could be flipped: “Maybe people should say Jordan only won because of Pippen.”
Accolades for both Hall of Famers remain close. Jordan earned nine NBA All-Defensive First Team selections and the 1988 Defensive Player of the Year award. Pippen collected eight First Team nods and added two Second Team honors.
Whether Jordan responds to Horry’s assessment is unknown, but the debate over which Bulls legend was the better defender now has fresh fuel.
Source: Hoops Wire
