Scottie Pippen: The Ultimate Sidekick or a Champion in His Own Right?

When discussing the best sidekicks in NBA history, Scottie Pippen emerges as a standout player. However, there are two ways to categorize a sidekick: one who is overqualified for the role, and another who is a reliable complimentary piece to a better player. Let's delve into this debate and explore the top contenders.

The Overqualified Sidekick

Some players, like Magic Johnson twice with David Robinson, Kobe Bryant with Shaquille O'Neal, and Kevin Durant with James Harden, are so skilled that they could easily hold their own. Nonetheless, they’ve chosen to partner with a more dominant player, elevating their entire team. Major players in this category include:

Magic Johnson with Dave Robinson Kobe Bryant with Shaquille O'Neal Kevin Durant with James Harden

The Complimentary Tier

Others, like Charles Barkley, Charles Smith, Horace Grant, and Kyle Lowry, have excelled as sidekicks, filling critical roles while not overshadowing the lead player. Some notable mentions are:

Charles Barkley Charles Smith Horace Grant Kyle Lowry Charles Barkley

Among the perimeter options, many would choose Klay Thompson. He complements a superstar without needing much possession and defends staunchly. For interior players, there's a strong case for Milt Worthy. He was effective off the ball, provided defensive versatility, and was a good passer for a big man, adding 8-10 additional points per game to his team. Outside this grouping, I lean towards Scottie Pippen as one of the best true two-way players of all time.

Scottie Pippen: Best True Two?

While some might consider Scottie Pippen a sidekick to Michael Jordan, he stands as a testament to the versatility that makes him a standout player. Pippen’s defensive prowess, particularly his wing defense, ranks among the best. Players like Iggy and Kawhi Leonard stand as distant competitors, but Pippen’s active play when his man isn't in the game, combined with his impeccable passing and scoring ability, cannot be underestimated. After his time with Jordan, Pippen found renewed joy in his role, leveraging his skills to make even more significant contributions.

The Role of Scottie Pippen

Scottie Pippen has been more than a sidekick; he is a champion in his own right. The term “sidekick” doesn't truly encapsulate his impact. Traditional literary roles for sidekicks include counterpoint, alternative viewpoints, or comic relief. Pippen, however, didn't fit these profiles. His abilities were far superior, earning him the title of the second man on the team. He was much more than a supporting character; he was a key figure in his own right. Pippen’s relationship with Jordan might have rewritten the idea of a sidekick, elevating the term's meaning.

Historical Duet and Contemporaries

If we consider NBA duos or sidekicks, one pair that comes to mind is Russell and Sam Jones. Together, they won 10 NBA championships and no other duo had as many titles. Sam Jones was an exceptional player who operated as a 5 for the Boston Celtics. Other notable contemporary sidekicks include:

Kevin McHale at the Boston Celtics in the 1980s Paul Gasol at the Lakers James Worthy at the Lakers in the early 2000s John Stockton at the Utah Jazz Kyle Lowry at the Toronto Raptors Stephen Curry's partnership with Draymond Green Tony Parker with the San Antonio Spurs

Each of these duos has left an indelible mark on NBA history, demonstrating the importance of sidekicks and the nuances that define their success. Scottie Pippen’s legacy as a true two-way player will likely remain one of the most exceptional in NBA history.