Scottie Pippen: The Legend Beyond The Court

What’s Scottie Pippen’s Net Worth in Today’s World?

Scottie Pippen, a retired American basketball superstar, boasts a net worth of $20 million. Over the course of his 17-year NBA career, Scottie earned a staggering $109 million in salary alone. And that's not all—endorsements piled on tens of millions more. Pippen wasn’t just a player; he became a global icon, synonymous with excellence on and off the court.

For nine unforgettable seasons, Scottie Pippen donned the iconic red and black of the Chicago Bulls. His contributions were nothing short of legendary. He was a pivotal force behind the Bulls securing six NBA championships and setting records, such as their unforgettable 1995-96 season with 72 wins. Pippen wasn’t just a player—he was a seven-time NBA All-Star and earned the prestigious NBA All-Star Game MVP award in 1994. In 1996-97, the league honored him as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History. His jersey remains retired by the Bulls, cementing his legacy for generations to come. Oh, and did I mention? He’s the only player in NBA history to win both an NBA title and an Olympic gold medal in the same year—not once, but twice (1992, 1996).

Contracts and Salary: The Story Behind the Numbers

Some call Scottie Pippen the most underpaid NBA player of all time, and there’s truth in that. Back in 1991, Pippen signed a seven-year, $18 million contract extension. Let that sink in. During the Bulls' golden era, when Michael Jordan was pulling in over $30 million a year, Scottie was earning a modest $2.6 million annually. But here’s the kicker: Scottie wasn’t motivated by greed. Growing up in extreme poverty as one of 12 kids, with both his father and brother in wheelchairs, Pippen prioritized securing his family's future. This contract, though, would later become a source of frustration. He felt he deserved a fairer deal, but life’s not always about the money, right?

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Despite this, Pippen’s total NBA earnings eventually surpassed $109 million. A significant chunk came from a five-year, $67.2 million contract with the Houston Rockets before the 1998-99 season. He added another $10 million during his final two seasons back with the Bulls. Talk about making every dollar count!

Endorsements: The Brand Beyond the Ball

Scottie started his endorsement journey with Avia sneakers, but soon enough, he joined the Nike family, just like his teammate Michael Jordan. Together, they helped redefine basketball culture. Pippen released several signature shoes with Nike, including the iconic Pippen 1 in 1997. These sneakers weren’t just shoes—they were symbols of his legacy.

But endorsements weren’t limited to sneakers. Scottie became a household name through partnerships with Ameritech Cellular TV, Frito-Lay, Visa, McDonald’s, Right Guard, and Coca-Cola. These brands recognized what we all saw: Scottie Pippen wasn’t just a player; he was a walking, talking phenomenon.

Early Life: From Hamburg to the NBA

Scottie Maurice Pippen was born on September 25, 1965, in Hamburg, Arkansas. He’s the youngest of Ethel and Preston Pippen’s 12 children. Standing tall at 6'7", Scottie inherited his height from his parents—his mom was 6 feet tall, and his dad was 6'1". Tragically, Scottie’s father suffered a stroke that left him paralyzed on his right side, impacting his mobility and speech. Despite these challenges, Scottie excelled on the basketball court, leading Hamburg High School to the state playoffs and earning all-conference honors his senior year.

Scottie’s journey wasn’t easy. No college scholarships came his way, so he started at the University of Central Arkansas as a walk-on. Standing at 6'1" as a freshman, he experienced a growth spurt, eventually reaching 6'8". In college, he averaged an impressive 23.6 points, 10 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and shot nearly 60% from the field. This performance caught the NBA’s eye, and the rest is history.

In the 1987 NBA Draft, Scottie was selected in the first round by the Seattle Supersonics. The Chicago Bulls had their eyes on him but couldn’t secure a high enough draft pick. They cleverly arranged a trade to bring Pippen to Chicago, setting the stage for greatness.

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Career: The Rise of a Legend

Scottie Pippen made his NBA debut on November 7, 1987, against the Philadelphia 76ers. He scored 10 points, grabbed one rebound, dished out four assists, and recorded two steals in 23 minutes of play. The Bulls won 104-94, marking the beginning of a storied career. By the 1988 NBA Playoffs, Pippen had claimed the starting small forward position, helping the Jordan-led Bulls reach the conference semifinals for the first time in over a decade. His first All-Star selection came in 1990, solidifying his status as a rising star.

The 1990-91 season showcased Pippen’s growth. He became the Bulls’ primary defensive stopper and a dominant scoring threat. On November 23, 1990, he recorded his first triple-double with 13 points, 12 assists, and 13 rebounds in a win against the Los Angeles Clippers. That season, he earned NBA All-Defensive Second Team honors. The Bulls went on to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1991 NBA Finals, marking the start of their first three-peat (1991, 1992, 1993). Pippen wasn’t done yet. He played a crucial role in the Bulls’ second three-peat (1996, 1997, 1998).

In 1998, after 11 incredible seasons with the Bulls, Pippen was traded to the Houston Rockets. He later joined the Portland Trail Blazers, where he played until 2003. Returning to the Bulls in 2003, Scottie signed a two-year, $10 million contract. On October 5, 2004, he officially announced his retirement. But retirement didn’t stop him. In 2008, at age 42, Pippen made a brief comeback, playing in Scandinavia with teams like Torpan Pojat (ToPo) in Finland and Sundsvall in Sweden.

Pippen returned to the Bulls in 2010 as a team ambassador and later became a senior advisor to the Bulls’ president and COO, Michael Reinsdorf. Known for his versatility, agility, and defensive prowess, Pippen remains one of the greatest players in NBA history. His athleticism and work ethic allowed him to make plays that left fans in awe—whether it was forcing turnovers, stealing the ball, or finishing fast breaks with thunderous dunks.

Olympic "Dream Team": Pippen's Global Impact

In 1992, Pippen joined the legendary "Dream Team" for the United States men’s Olympic basketball team at the Barcelona Olympics. Together with Michael Jordan and other all-time greats, the U.S. claimed the gold medal. Pippen and Jordan made history as the first players to win both an NBA championship and an Olympic gold medal in the same year—not once, but twice (1992, 1996). This achievement solidified their status as basketball legends on the global stage.

Personal Life: Family and Legacy

Pippen has been married twice. His first marriage was to Karen McCollum in 1988, with whom he had a son named Antron. They divorced in 1990. In 1997, Pippen married Larsa Younan, a star on the "Real Housewives of Miami." Together, they had four children: Scotty Jr., Preston, Justin, and Sophia. The couple divorced in 2021.

Pippen also has daughters, Sierra (born 1995) with former fiancée Yvette De Leon, and Taylor (born 1994) with former girlfriend and model Sonya Roby. Tragically, Taylor’s twin sister, Tyler, passed away nine days after birth. His son Scotty Jr. now plays for the Los Angeles Lakers, and his daughter Sophia gained fame on "Dancing with the Stars: Juniors."

Financial Issues: Separating Fact from Fiction

Rumors have swirled about Scottie Pippen’s financial struggles after retirement. Some even claimed he was broke within years of hanging up his sneakers. While there have been challenges, those claims are exaggerated—or outright false. One major issue arose from a financial advisor named Robert Lunn, recommended by the Bulls. Lunn allegedly squandered $20 million of Pippen’s money, including $7 million invested in a failed real estate venture and a $4 million private jet that needed $1 million in repairs. Lunn was sentenced to three years in prison in 2016 for fraud, including forging Pippen’s signature on a $1.4 million loan.

Real Estate: Pippen's Properties

In 2004, Scottie and Larsa Pippen purchased a 10,000-square-foot home in Highland Park, Illinois, for $2.225 million. Pippen listed the property for $3.1 million in 2016 but eventually lowered the price to $1.899 million. This stunning home features six bedrooms, five and a half bathrooms, a movie theater, a sauna, a game room, a wine cellar, and an indoor basketball court adorned with Pippen’s retired jersey. Though it took time, the house finally sold in late 2021 for just under $2 million.

Pippen also owned a Venetian-style mansion in Harbor Beach, one of Fort Lauderdale’s most exclusive neighborhoods. Listed for $16 million in 2010, the home was later offered as a luxury rental for $40,000 a month. This waterfront property boasts a pool, basketball court, gourmet kitchen, game room, and breathtaking canal views leading to the ocean. Scottie finally sold this mansion in September 2021 for $10.54 million, proving that even legends adapt to changing times.