Over and Back - Scottie Pippen (Episode #2)

They actually let us come back? Well, that's a relief! In episode 2 of the Over and Back Podcast Jason Mann and Rich Kraetsch are joined by Nate Duncan of BasketballInsiders.com to discuss the life and career of Scottie Pippen, his place in history, how he changed the SF position and much more. Scottie Pippen is perhaps the best "second banana" ever, a man constantly in the shadow of one of the NBA's greatest players ever, but on his own merits still one of the top 50 players of all time and a first-ballot Hall of Famer. A man constantly hungry for admiration and respect, Pippen struggled in keeping his emotions in check whether in the media or on the bench, leading to constant questions about his leadership and motivation. Never a gifted offensive player, Pippen eventually turned himself into an offensive weapon utilizing his unbelievable athleticism and length. Defensively, there were few better. Making full use of that length, athleticism and basketball instincts, Pippen was the patriarch of the famed "Three Doberman" defense that propelled the young Chicago Bulls to NBA royalty.

On the podcast, we discuss Pippen's humbled beginnings in rural Arkansas, his evolution from a relative unknown NAIA prospect to multiple time NBA All-Star and eventually six-time NBA champion. We discuss Pippen's evolution as a player, his issues with Bulls manager and his ultimately disappointing post-Bulls career with the Houston Rockets and Portland Trailblazers.