C
Clarity News Hub

Who was a better defender Jordan or Pippen?

Author

Emma Payne

Published Jan 13, 2026

Jordan was a nine-time All-Defensive team selection, while Pippen was a 10-time selection. Pippen never won a Defensive Player of the Year award like Jordan did in 1987-88. Jordan also led the league in steals three times, while Pippen only did so once.

Who was the best defender on the Bulls?

10 best defenders in Bulls history

  • 04 8. Horace Grant (1987-94) ...
  • 05 7. Jimmy Butler (2011-17) ...
  • 06 6. Jerry Sloan (1966-76) ...
  • 07 5. Joakim Noah (2007-16) ...
  • 08 4. Dennis Rodman (1995-98) 8 / 11. ...
  • 09 3. Norm Van Lier (1971-78) 9 / 11. ...
  • 10 2. Scottie Pippen (1987-98, 2003-04) 10 / 11. ...
  • 11 1. Michael Jordan (1984-93, 94-98) 11 / 11.

Who was MJS toughest defender?

Even Jordan said that Joe Dumars was the toughest defender he has faced, and we all know how terrific Jordan was.

Was Pippen a better defender than Rodman?

There was no better on ball defender in their prime than Rodman. He could defend on ball every position. Pippen was more versatile disrupting off the ball and probably better defending point guards full court, but he couldn't defend Shaqs, Olajuwons and the like. Rodman could and they were the same size.

Did MJ make Pippen better?

In 1990, Pippen improved again under the tutorship of Jordan and scored 16.5 points, grabbed 6.7 rebounds and passed off for 5.4 assists, and 2.6 steals and 1.2 blocks per game. Jordan had done it!

37 related questions found

Could MJ win without Pippen?

If there was a superstar for role players then Pippen was it. He knew how to make his teammates better, and what Jordan's strengths were. Yes, Pippen probably wouldn't have won a championship without Jordan, but the same can be said if Jordan never had Pippen.

Can Jordan win without Pippen?

Michael Jordan averaged a win percentage of . 528 without Scottie Pippen in his career.

How good of a defender was Dennis Rodman?

Dennis Rodman

His hustle, hard work, skills and instincts earned him a reputation as a phenomenal defender. He was indeed the most versatile stopper who dominated in the three major things of defense: on the perimeter, in the post, on his man and was terrific in team help D as well.

How good was Rodman defense?

In 90-91 He played such strong defense that the NBA stated he "could shut down any opposing player, from point guard to center." In the beginning of his career he came off the bench but that year he finally started in 77 of the 82 regular season games, averaged 8.2 points and 12.5 rebounds and won his second Defensive ...

Was Jordan good defense?

Jordan boasts an impressive defensive resume

As elite as Michael Jordan's offensive numbers are, his defensive accolades are every bit as impressive. Jordan captured the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year Award during the 1987-88 season.

Who was the Jordan stopper?

More videos on YouTube

Michael Jordan made sure he and the Bulls made the Cavaliers pay for thinking Gerald Wilkins could live up to his billing as the “Jordan stopper.” Jordan immediately set the tone in Game 1.

Was Jordan a great defensive player?

Obviously, Jordan was a 9x All-Defensive player and winner of the 1988 Defensive Player of the Year. To this day, he's the only player in NBA history to win the scoring title, MVP, NBA Championship, Finals MVP, and be named to the NBA All-Defensive 1st team. He mastered the game on both ends in an unprecedented way.

Was the Bulls defense good?

The Bulls were third in scoring defense (89.6 points) while third in defensive rating (99.8), allowing 80 or less points in 14 regular-season games. By this time, it's not surprising that MJ and Pip made the All-NBA Defensive First Team.

Why is Michael Jordan the best basketball Player?

Jordan's career playoff average of a whopping 33.4 PPG stands as the best in NBA history. He also holds the most 50, 40, 30, and 20 point games in playoff history. In fact, Jordan has scored in double digits in every single career playoff game he'd ever played in.

Where does Rodman rank all time?

Rodman ranked No. 62. A 6-7 forward, "The Worm" won two NBA titles with the Pistons and three with Chicago (1996-98).

Is Dennis Rodman the best rebounder ever?

Dennis Rodman has to be the greatest rebounder ever, leading the league in rebounds for 7 straight years and making that his greatest skill. An obsessed rebounder who loved watching tape to study his opponent's shots, Rodman had the best skill of grabbing defensive rebounds ever.

Who is the best defensive center of all time?

Bill Russell

A guy that revolutionized defense in the league, Bill Russell is the greatest defender in the history of the NBA! He built the fundamentals of the blocked shot and post defense for everyone else who came after him.

Who is the best perimeter defender in NBA history?

1. Gary Payton. Former Seattle Super Sonic players,a legend remembered for his defensive performances,Garry Payton was the best perimeter player in the history of the NBA!

Did Jordan win a ring without Rodman?

Michael Jordan won 6 championships without Dennis Rodman in his career.

What did Pippen average without Jordan?

Scottie Pippen averaged 15.0 points, 6.4 rebounds and 5.2 assists in 464 games without Michael Jordan in his career. Not what you're looking for?

How many MVP did Michael Jordan win?

Jordan won six championships with the Bulls and was named Finals MVP all six times. He was the NBA Most Valuable Player five times and a 14-time All-Star. He was All-Star game MVP three times and Defensive Player of the Year.