Scottie Pippen And LeBron James Almost Teamed Up

Scottie Pippen was so impressed with LeBron James and his Cleveland Cavaliers, that he almost came out of retirement. The NBA legend came up with the idea during the 2006-07 season. He was 41 at the time, and the Cavs were one of the teams interested in Pippen’s talents.

“I’m thinking of trying to come back for the playoffs,” Pippen said back in 2007. “Something like the last two months of the season, somewhere I can come back and play limited minutes to start, play point forward for someone and build toward the playoffs. It’s something I’ve been thinking about for the last three months.”

Scottie Pippen should have joined LeBron

The Bulls icon was plagued with injuries, and that was the main reason for his retirement. He played in only 23 games when he unretired to join the Bulls in the 2003-04 season.

“Being out of the game, my body feels great,” Pippen explained. “Taking this break, it feels amazing. I’m looking at somewhere I could play maybe 15 minutes. I’m not trying to be a big-money guy or anything, [just trying to] get with a team I can help in the playoffs.

“I’m moving good. I feel pretty fast and you don’t forget the game.”

Imagine Pippen in Cleveland. He measures at 6-foot-7, and he would have been an excellent addition to the team. That Cavaliers team made the NBA Finals and confronted the San Antonio Spurs. Cleveland would have used his playoff experience, and maybe LeBron could use his help to smash the Spurs.

The Spurs defeated the Cavaliers 4-0. LeBron couldn’t help his team win the title. It was impossible back then. The Spurs had a strong defense. Maybe Pippen should have joined LeBron.

LeBron won his title with Cleveland in 2016. It was the first championship title for the Cavs. LeBron helped the team overcome a 3-1 deficit in the Finals. They were playing the Golden State Warriors, and this was the most brilliant comeback an NBA team has ever made. LeBron gave the Cavaliers their first title, and the team lost him in 2018. He is on the Los Angeles Lakers now, and this title will end up in his hands.