Pippen Emerging From a Giant Shadow

In his first five years with the Chicago Bulls, superstar Michael Jordan’s supporting cast might as well have been named Curley, Larry, Moe and cousin Joe. But, thanks to the emergence of small forward Scottie Pippen, the Bulls no longer are a one-man gang.

Pippen, 6-feet-8, previously was regarded as more of a curiosity because of his catchy nickname (Mr. Pip) and obscure, small-college background (Central Arkansas).

But now, he is getting his due as one of the best young forwards in the National Basketball Association.

A No. 1 draft pick in 1987, Pippen suffered serious growing pains as a rookie when he averaged 7.9 points. Last season, he got off to a slow start after back surgery that forced him to miss training camp and the first eight games.

He began to show his potential in the closing months of the season, finishing with a 14.4 average and playing an important role in upsets of the Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

This season, Pippen, more effective in the Bulls’ new, up-tempo style, has raised his scoring average to 17.2 and ranks eighth in the league in steals (2.3).

He credits his improvement to the relaxed coaching technique of Phil Jackson, who replaced Doug Collins in a move that General Manager Jerry Krause never has explained fully.

Club insiders say Krause’s main criticism of Collins was that he was not giving enough freedom to allow young players such as Pippen, power forward Horace Grant and reserve center Will Perdue to use all of their skills.

“I like Phil’s coaching better than Doug’s,” Pippen said recently. “Phil seems to treat and respect his players better.

“I play more free, and I have a lot more confidence in myself. Before, when I made a mistake, I’d be looking over my shoulder. But Phil has shown a lot more patience.”

Jackson is taking advantage of Pippen’s speed and jumping ability, and also is encouraging him to gamble more on defense with his quick hands.

Pippen said, “I’m a pretty fast runner, and with Grant running down the middle, it’s tough for teams to stop us in transition when we’re rebounding.”

Pippen’s development is by Jackson’s design, making teams think twice about double and triple-teaming Jordan (32.7), who is seeking a fourth straight scoring title.

Jackson said, “It’s not that Jordan is taking too many shots (23 a game). It’s that we’re not getting enough as a team. There should be more for everybody -- Pippen, Grant, (Bill) Cartwright and (John) Paxson.

“Scottie has leadership qualities and has never shied away at a critical time in a ballgame. He’s the kind of player you want to attempt the big plays. Once he develops real confidence in his jump shot, teams will have to play him as an outside shooter, and then he can exploit his driving ability.”

Jordan also seems to have noticed the new confidence in Pippen.

“Scottie is at least 50 percent better than a year ago,” Jordan said. “He’s stepped up his game and responsibility. He’s what I call a game learner, picking up things by observing them during the game. There’s nothing you can tell him.”

Jordan has led the team in steals the last few years, but is now second to Pippen.

“I’d like to see Scottie lead the league in steals,” Jordan said. “I’m gambling less, and he is gambling more. He’ll get burned occasionally, but he’ll learn when to take his best shot at stealing the ball.”