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In the 1990s, no team dominated the NBA like the Chicago Bulls.  Superstar Michael Jordan was in his prime, and he led the team to six championships:  the first three came in 1990-1991, 1991-1992, and 1992-1993.  The second set of three came in 1995-1996, 1996-1997, and 1997-1998.  There was no question that the Bulls of the '90s were a dynasty -- many people even called the 1995-1996 team, which put together a stunning record of 72-10, the best ever in the history of the NBA.  

Although most people credit the Bulls' domination to the amazing on-court feats of Michael Jordan and the leadership of coach Phil Jackson, there's no doubting the incredible role that forward Scottie Pippen played on each of those championship teams.  The Chicago Bulls organization officially recognized Pippen's contributions by retiring his #33 jersey in a ceremony at the United Center on December 9.  That kind of ceremony is not something the Bulls take lightly, as they only have three other players with retired jerseys:  Jordan (of course), Jerry Sloan, and Bob Love.  

Casual basketball fans most likely regarded Pippen merely as Jordan's sidekick.  But those who really follow the game, or those who were in Chicago to witness those six championship runs, understand that Pippen was just as instrumental to the titles as Jordan was.  Pippen was consistently one of the best players in the NBA during his years in Chicago, and he earned a reputation of being an all-around player.  That was a significant compliment in an age when scoring is seemingly valued above all else.  Pippen could not only score important baskets and take the offensive pressure off Jordan whenever necessary, he could also play great defense and shut down opposing players when it counted.  

Pippen's NBA career spanned 17 seasons, and, after stints in Houston and Portland, ended right where it began -- in Chicago.  Through it all, Pippen averaged a very respectable 16.1 points per game and 6.4 rebounds per game.  His career bests include 47 points versus the Denver Nuggets in 1997, 18 rebounds against the New York Knicks in 1992, and 9 steals against the Atlanta Hawks in 1994.  Pippen also holds the Chicago Bulls franchise record for most three-pointers made (664), and is second all-time on the Bulls in points, field goals, field goal attempts, rebounds, assists, steals, and games played.  Moreover, he was a seven-time All-Star and was named the MVP of the 1994 contest.  And finally, Pippen was a member of two gold medal-winning Olympics teams.

But it's highly doubtful that Pippen will be remembered as one of basketball's all-time greats based on his numbers alone.  He'll be remembered as one of the true leaders of the Bulls, a player who accepted his role behind Jordan and did what he had to do in order for the team to win.  In this age of selfish superstars who often try to attain personal glory at the expense of their team's success, the qualities that Pippen brought to the table are to be valued.  It's only fitting, then, that no one else will ever be able to wear #33 on the Bulls again.