Pippen the lightweight

Great as he was in one area, I’m starting to look at Scottie Pippen as a lightweight.

First, there was the time he refused to take the court at the end of a playoff game because the play wasn’t drawn up for him. Now there’s this: He says LeBron James might be the greatest player ever.

This from a guy who played with the greatest ever, Michael Jordan.

Pippen certainly can give his opinion, but honestly. James hasn’t won a raffle yet. Jordan has six rings. James is vastly talented and more physically imposing than Jordan. He is the greatest basketball specimen around. But greatest player?

Again, show us the rings.

If you’re going on specimens, Ryan Leaf is in the Hall of Fame instead of Joe Montana.

Basketball is a sport where individuals prove themselves with rings. You’re not all that dependent on your teammates, like in football. James could get hurt before he has a single ring. Who knows, he might even get the yips. But it’s far too early to even make that comparison.

I doubt James will become both the best defensive and best offensive player in the league. Jerry Sloan once told me MJ could probably be the league’s best player on both ends of the court, every year, if he wanted.

Pippen should save the comparisons until there’s something to compare.