"Curry would not be the same...": Former Chicago Bulls legend Scottie Pippen goes brutally honest about Stephen Curry and Nikola Jokic hype
Stephen Curry and Nikola Jokic may be the new heroes for modern fans, but the NBA legend Scottie Pippen holds a different opinion. Recently, he spoke to Marca and gave a candid opinion on the two present-day superstars and their supremacy. He attributed their success more to the changed conditions than to their talent and maintained that their trajectory would have been different with the conditions that prevailed during his tenure.
Scottie Pippen analyzes Stephen Curry and Nikola Jokic with a harsh critical lens Scottie Pippen did not mince his words while talking about Stephen Curry and Nikola Jokic’s ruling the NBA scene at present. He was of the view that in his days, the emphasis was more on defensive strength and teamwork. According to him, Stephen Curry could have crumbled under the full-court pressure.
As per Pippen, the game in his time revolved more around stronger defense, and the shooters had limited freedom. Things have now become more offense-centric and give the shooters like Stephen Curry the leverage that was not available to them. He dived into the details concerning the three-point range, saying that the explosiveness from this point would not be as effective as it is currently.
Speaking about Nikola Jokic’s dominance, he reiterated the changed environment factor. He compliments Jokic’s passing abilities, but also added:
“In the 80s and 90s, we used to press all over the field. Could Jokic bring the ball up against such pressure? I don't know. Sure, he can see the court and pass very well. But I don't know if he would be comfortable bringing the ball up from the back with that pressure.”
Scottie Pippen welcomed NBA’s expansion to EuropeAs new developments are taking place in the NBA, Scottie Pippen expressed his pleasure over them. He was quite positive about the NBA’s exploring Europe as a new territory. He said:
“I think it would be great. In basketball, I repeat, the same language is spoken all over the world. So there are no limits. As far as the growth of the game, hopefully, one day we'll see a team. And in Europe, hopefully they come with at least one or two teams, so it's worth the trip.”
Also Read: Stephen Curry voted best American player in ESPN poll as Golden State Warriors enter 2025-2026 season
Stephen Curry has not addressed these observations made by the Chicago Bulls legend yet. He continues to play his game in his style and is busy creating a legacy with achievements on and off the court.
Scottie Pippen analyzes Stephen Curry and Nikola Jokic with a harsh critical lens Scottie Pippen did not mince his words while talking about Stephen Curry and Nikola Jokic’s ruling the NBA scene at present. He was of the view that in his days, the emphasis was more on defensive strength and teamwork. According to him, Stephen Curry could have crumbled under the full-court pressure.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DLOiO3IRd0X/ https://www.instagram.com/p/DLOiO3IRd0X/
He revisited his playing era’s rules, saying, “The '90s rules? Steph Curry is not the same player. For us to play in their era? It would be like breaking out of jail. You got freedom. No one is knocking you to the floor.”As per Pippen, the game in his time revolved more around stronger defense, and the shooters had limited freedom. Things have now become more offense-centric and give the shooters like Stephen Curry the leverage that was not available to them. He dived into the details concerning the three-point range, saying that the explosiveness from this point would not be as effective as it is currently.
Speaking about Nikola Jokic’s dominance, he reiterated the changed environment factor. He compliments Jokic’s passing abilities, but also added:
“In the 80s and 90s, we used to press all over the field. Could Jokic bring the ball up against such pressure? I don't know. Sure, he can see the court and pass very well. But I don't know if he would be comfortable bringing the ball up from the back with that pressure.”
Scottie Pippen welcomed NBA’s expansion to EuropeAs new developments are taking place in the NBA, Scottie Pippen expressed his pleasure over them. He was quite positive about the NBA’s exploring Europe as a new territory. He said:
“I think it would be great. In basketball, I repeat, the same language is spoken all over the world. So there are no limits. As far as the growth of the game, hopefully, one day we'll see a team. And in Europe, hopefully they come with at least one or two teams, so it's worth the trip.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/C7cOrQksTvY/ https://www.instagram.com/p/C7cOrQksTvY/
Scottie Pippen was speaking to Marca’s reporter during his visit to Spain, where he attended Sanitas Foundation’s annual inclusive event as its ambassador. He spoke candidly about various things that covered NBA players, his son’s growth, and the NBA’s future. His views revealed how the NBA landscape has changed over the years, giving different opportunities to new players with more favorable conditions.Also Read: Stephen Curry voted best American player in ESPN poll as Golden State Warriors enter 2025-2026 season
Stephen Curry has not addressed these observations made by the Chicago Bulls legend yet. He continues to play his game in his style and is busy creating a legacy with achievements on and off the court.
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