When picturing the dominant ’90s Chicago Bulls, the first name that comes to mind is Michael Jordan — he was the leader, winning six Finals MVP awards in six championship series during that era.

The second name would be Scottie Pippen; he was arguably equally important in all championship runs. However, the general notion is that he played the role of a sidekick, and that was where he had more impact.

Pippen’s confidence

Drafted in 1987, Pip joined the Bulls at a time when they needed an extra push for the playoffs. In hindsight, Chicago didn’t start to win until the forward became a partner to Jordan. A seven-time All-Star believes the outcome would have been the same with a different partner.

“I’m going to be successful no matter who shadow you put me in,” Pippen said. “I feel like that I have enough talent that I am going to be able to shine on my own.”

With MJ out and the spotlight firmly on Pippen, he delivered one of the best performances of his career. He averaged 22 points, 8.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game, leading the Bulls to 55 wins — just two fewer than the previous season with Jordan. He finished third in MVP voting, behind Hakeem Olajuwon and David Robinson.

However, the absence of the franchise’s biggest star was always looming. The Bulls entered the 1994 playoffs with high expectations, but the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Knicks exposed internal tensions.

Taking the reins?

In Game 3, with the series hanging in the balance, head coach Phil Jackson designed the final play for Toni Kukoc, leaving Pippen as the inbound passer. The forward refused to re-enter the game and chose on the bench as Kukoc hit the game-winning shot.

By Game 6 of the series, the Bulls were fighting to stay alive. Midway through the third quarter, they ignited a fast break. As Pippen charged toward the basket, Knicks star Patrick Ewing stepped up to contest the shot.

Pip dunked on Ewing, and the force of the dunk sent the Knicks center tumbling to the ground. As the Bulls star landed, he stood over former Hoya and exchanged words with Knicks superfan Spike Lee, earning a technical foul in the process.

Chicago won Game 6, but New York ultimately took the series in seven games and advanced to the NBA Finals. The Bulls also failed to make the Finals in the following season.

Mike’s return in 1995 meant Pippen once again took the backseat. It was expected that the Bulls had long been Jordan’s team to lead, and he led them to a record 72 wins in the 1995-96 season, his first full season back.

However, Pippen’s impact remained undeniable. The defensive-minded wing averaged 19.4 points, 6.4 rebounds and 5.9 assists that season.