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Unguarded
INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
This unflinching “master class” ( The New York Times ) of a memoir from two-time Olympic gold medalist and NBA Hall of Famer reveals how Scottie Pippen, the youngest of twelve, overcame two family tragedies and universal disregard by college scouts to become an essential component of the greatest basketball dynasty of the last fifty years.
Scottie Pippen has been called one of the greatest NBA players for good reason.
Simply put, without Pippen, there are no championship banners—let alone six—hanging from the United Center rafters. There’s no Last Dance documentary. There’s no “Michael Jordan” as we know him. The 1990s Chicago Bulls teams would not exist as we know them.
So how did the youngest of twelve go from growing up poor in the small town of Hamburg, Arkansas, enduring two family tragedies along the way, to become a revered NBA legend? How did the scrawny teen, overlooked by every major collegiate basketball program, go on to become the fifth overall pick in the 1987 NBA Draft? And, perhaps most compelling, how did Pippen set aside his ego (and his own limitless professional ceiling) in order for the Bulls to become the most dominant basketball dynasty of the last half century?
In Unguarded , the six-time champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist finally opens up to offer pointed and transparent takes on Michael Jordan, Phil Jackson, and Dennis Rodman, among others. Pippen details how he cringed at being labeled Jordan’s sidekick, and discusses how he could have (and should have) received more respect from the Bulls’ management and the media.
Pippen reveals never-before-told stories about some of the most famous games in league history, including the 1994 playoff game against the New York Knicks when he took himself out with 1.8 seconds to go. He discusses what it was like dealing with Jordan on a day-to-day basis, while serving as the facilitator for the offense and the anchor for the defense.
Pippen is finally giving millions of adoring basketball fans what they crave; an unvarnished, “closely observed, and uncommonly modest” ( Kirkus Reviews ) look into his life and role within one of the greatest, most popular teams of all time.
This unflinching “master class” ( The New York Times ) of a memoir from two-time Olympic gold medalist and NBA Hall of Famer reveals how Scottie Pippen, the youngest of twelve, overcame two family tragedies and universal disregard by college scouts to become an essential component of the greatest basketball dynasty of the last fifty years.
Scottie Pippen has been called one of the greatest NBA players for good reason.
Simply put, without Pippen, there are no championship banners—let alone six—hanging from the United Center rafters. There’s no Last Dance documentary. There’s no “Michael Jordan” as we know him. The 1990s Chicago Bulls teams would not exist as we know them.
So how did the youngest of twelve go from growing up poor in the small town of Hamburg, Arkansas, enduring two family tragedies along the way, to become a revered NBA legend? How did the scrawny teen, overlooked by every major collegiate basketball program, go on to become the fifth overall pick in the 1987 NBA Draft? And, perhaps most compelling, how did Pippen set aside his ego (and his own limitless professional ceiling) in order for the Bulls to become the most dominant basketball dynasty of the last half century?
In Unguarded , the six-time champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist finally opens up to offer pointed and transparent takes on Michael Jordan, Phil Jackson, and Dennis Rodman, among others. Pippen details how he cringed at being labeled Jordan’s sidekick, and discusses how he could have (and should have) received more respect from the Bulls’ management and the media.
Pippen reveals never-before-told stories about some of the most famous games in league history, including the 1994 playoff game against the New York Knicks when he took himself out with 1.8 seconds to go. He discusses what it was like dealing with Jordan on a day-to-day basis, while serving as the facilitator for the offense and the anchor for the defense.
Pippen is finally giving millions of adoring basketball fans what they crave; an unvarnished, “closely observed, and uncommonly modest” ( Kirkus Reviews ) look into his life and role within one of the greatest, most popular teams of all time.
304 pages, Paperback
First published November 16, 2021
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1262 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 293 reviews
December 8, 2021
I was a die-hard Michael Jordan fan growing up and while he was
by far
my favorite player, I liked Scottie Pippen too.
Pippen was a huge asset to the Bulls in the 1990s and more often than not, a good example of a team player. I agree that his portray in The Last Dance docuseries on Netflix was often less than favorable. I respect everyone’s right to tell their own story — MJ and Pippen included — but unfortunately, Unguarded left me feeling letdown. Pippen comes off as bitter and harboring deep resentment for the majority of the book.
I can imagine it’d be tough to be “in the shadows” of MJ for so many years but there’s also an opportunity to recognize the privilege in playing with one of the world’s most elite athletes ever. Basketball is a team sport. Superstar athletes can, and often do, bring it home for their teams but they can’t do it alone forever. The second Bulls three-peat of the 90s would not have been possible without Jordan, Pippen, or Rodman — They know the work they each put in.
While I admire the player Pippen was, as well as his deep love for his family, evident throughout the book, Unguarded did not leave me with a great impression of him. He reiterates that he and MJ weren’t ever that close and that he regrets not reaching out to him after his father’s death. Frankly, I feel like if he really wanted to, he’s had plenty of time to do so over the last 30 years.
It was fun to read some of the highlights from the 90s games during the Bulls dynasty, which I would say is the best aspect of Unguarded — 2.5 stars.
Pippen was a huge asset to the Bulls in the 1990s and more often than not, a good example of a team player. I agree that his portray in The Last Dance docuseries on Netflix was often less than favorable. I respect everyone’s right to tell their own story — MJ and Pippen included — but unfortunately, Unguarded left me feeling letdown. Pippen comes off as bitter and harboring deep resentment for the majority of the book.
I can imagine it’d be tough to be “in the shadows” of MJ for so many years but there’s also an opportunity to recognize the privilege in playing with one of the world’s most elite athletes ever. Basketball is a team sport. Superstar athletes can, and often do, bring it home for their teams but they can’t do it alone forever. The second Bulls three-peat of the 90s would not have been possible without Jordan, Pippen, or Rodman — They know the work they each put in.
While I admire the player Pippen was, as well as his deep love for his family, evident throughout the book, Unguarded did not leave me with a great impression of him. He reiterates that he and MJ weren’t ever that close and that he regrets not reaching out to him after his father’s death. Frankly, I feel like if he really wanted to, he’s had plenty of time to do so over the last 30 years.
It was fun to read some of the highlights from the 90s games during the Bulls dynasty, which I would say is the best aspect of Unguarded — 2.5 stars.
November 17, 2021
Man, this was tough. I respect Scottie Pippen's career and I feel that he definitely deserves more credit than he has received in "The Last Dance" and other Chicago Bulls-centric retrospectives but man.... resentment and bitterness permeate this entire book. Pippen spends most of it talking about how important HE was to the team and success, except for when it comes to acknowledging his shortfalls or giving more than just the passing credit to MJ. Pippen argues that for all the time Jordan was brought up for how good the Bulls were, that the team as a whole should have gotten that respect as well, and I certainly get that. The issue I have is that Pippen does THE EXACT SAME THING HERE, electing to place himself more solely as the reason that things came together than to promote the team as a unit. This was a disappointing read considering the hype, but I will say that Scottie dug deep and brought you back to those teams, players, and games that made you fall in love with the 90's Bulls in the first place.
November 14, 2021
let's be clear! i really don't like the way Scottie market this book. Too much bitterness and resentment. I think we can not allow every time someone is going to write a (auto)biography to use some BS about someone else. Especially in the sports world this happen too many times.
"but it's the only way to have success and to sell the book!" NO it's NOT. Andre Agassi didn't talk sh*t about anybody (except himself) and he gave us one of the best autobiography in the history of the sports world. (AND it sold so well!).
So the Scottie Pippen marketing choice takes ONE star.
Let's talk about the book... is it any good?
quite...
i mean, you can feel the resentment in the book towards:
1. Michael Jordan who did NOTHING against Pippen (i am not the one who says that...it's Scottie in his book, there is absolutely nothing MJ did to him)
2. Jerry Krauss, who discovered Pippen and helped to take 20 (!) million dollar more from Houston Rockets when he left the Bulls in 1999 and who was NOT the one who have the final decision about payment and contract (it's Scottie to say so in one of the finals chapters)
3. Phil Jackson, who Scottie says "disrespect him giving the last shot to Tony Kukoc instead of him in the 1994 playoff against the Knicks"... maybe Scotti here is right?! NOT AT ALL... he himself tells us in HIS book that he NEVER scored a Buzzer Beater even in high school games, even worse he tells us TWICE he missed an OPEN dunk (and ONE lay up) to close an important game with college or high school (i don't remember which). AND EVEN EVEN WORSE he tells us he missed a lot of important free throws in final moments of important games with Bulls... SOOOO He, Michael, Phil AND everyone who read his book now, know exactly WHY Phil Jackson gave Tony Kukoc (an A-buzzer beater player) that last shot.
So, i love the Scottie Pippen player (almost as much as Jordan) but his sensitiveness and grudge tried to ruin the wonderful memory we have of the best dynasty in the Basket history (and maybe more).
Finally his family story is great, i love everything about it, i wish he talked a bit more of that and about what he felt in those years and NOT about how he feels NOW about those years.
Let's GO BULLS!
"but it's the only way to have success and to sell the book!" NO it's NOT. Andre Agassi didn't talk sh*t about anybody (except himself) and he gave us one of the best autobiography in the history of the sports world. (AND it sold so well!).
So the Scottie Pippen marketing choice takes ONE star.
Let's talk about the book... is it any good?
quite...
i mean, you can feel the resentment in the book towards:
1. Michael Jordan who did NOTHING against Pippen (i am not the one who says that...it's Scottie in his book, there is absolutely nothing MJ did to him)
2. Jerry Krauss, who discovered Pippen and helped to take 20 (!) million dollar more from Houston Rockets when he left the Bulls in 1999 and who was NOT the one who have the final decision about payment and contract (it's Scottie to say so in one of the finals chapters)
3. Phil Jackson, who Scottie says "disrespect him giving the last shot to Tony Kukoc instead of him in the 1994 playoff against the Knicks"... maybe Scotti here is right?! NOT AT ALL... he himself tells us in HIS book that he NEVER scored a Buzzer Beater even in high school games, even worse he tells us TWICE he missed an OPEN dunk (and ONE lay up) to close an important game with college or high school (i don't remember which). AND EVEN EVEN WORSE he tells us he missed a lot of important free throws in final moments of important games with Bulls... SOOOO He, Michael, Phil AND everyone who read his book now, know exactly WHY Phil Jackson gave Tony Kukoc (an A-buzzer beater player) that last shot.
So, i love the Scottie Pippen player (almost as much as Jordan) but his sensitiveness and grudge tried to ruin the wonderful memory we have of the best dynasty in the Basket history (and maybe more).
Finally his family story is great, i love everything about it, i wish he talked a bit more of that and about what he felt in those years and NOT about how he feels NOW about those years.
Let's GO BULLS!
November 22, 2021
Scottie Pippen's negativity toward Michael Jordan and The Last Dance documentary has been taken out of context when blasted across the media. The attention is one reason why I decided to read the book. I wasn't a big Chicago Bulls fan and never worshipped at the altar of MJ during his reign. I live in Arkansas and remember when Pippen played at the University of Central Arkansas, but because he ended up with the Bulls, I still wasn't a fan.
That said, I wanted to see if Pippen was as much a crybaby as others thought.
He wasn't.
Instead, he complained about things rightfully wronged to him. Jerry Krause's inability to compensate him during his tenure there, Jordan's me-me attitude during the seasons and the apparent love of Toni Kukoc were all discussed... fairly. Pippen also talks about his infamous 1.8 seconds of not going into a game to pass the ball to Kukoc. That hangs over him like a dark cloud.
If Pippen went to a team besides the Bulls during his prime, he would have been the team leader and a star on his own, rather than a Jordan shadow.
Pippen was also able to blame himself for mistakes and he realized, looking back, at things he did that he thought were wrong. So, the hype about the book, about Pippen being whiney about it all, is not accurate.
I thought the game recaps of the Bulls dynasty were great. Again, he notes when he has a bad game and blames himself, rather than whine about Jordan getting the ball all the time.
After reading this, I felt more in favor of Pippen than I felt during that 1990s Bulls teams. I wish I knew more of him back then so I'd see how amazing a player he really was.
That said, I wanted to see if Pippen was as much a crybaby as others thought.
He wasn't.
Instead, he complained about things rightfully wronged to him. Jerry Krause's inability to compensate him during his tenure there, Jordan's me-me attitude during the seasons and the apparent love of Toni Kukoc were all discussed... fairly. Pippen also talks about his infamous 1.8 seconds of not going into a game to pass the ball to Kukoc. That hangs over him like a dark cloud.
If Pippen went to a team besides the Bulls during his prime, he would have been the team leader and a star on his own, rather than a Jordan shadow.
Pippen was also able to blame himself for mistakes and he realized, looking back, at things he did that he thought were wrong. So, the hype about the book, about Pippen being whiney about it all, is not accurate.
I thought the game recaps of the Bulls dynasty were great. Again, he notes when he has a bad game and blames himself, rather than whine about Jordan getting the ball all the time.
After reading this, I felt more in favor of Pippen than I felt during that 1990s Bulls teams. I wish I knew more of him back then so I'd see how amazing a player he really was.
February 5, 2022
To state the obvious, when the Chicago Bulls won six NBA titles in eight years during the 1990’s, they were led by one of the greatest players in the history of the game, Michael Jordan. However, there was also another Hall of Fame player on those teams who at times felt like he was not given his proper due. In this memoir, Scottie Pippen gets to tell his version of the Bulls’ championship years as well as other stories from his life and career.
This book may come across to some readers as whining, complaining or bitterness because of Pippen’s criticism of several people. These include the general manager of the Bulls during that time, Jerry Krause; his first coach in Chicago Doug Collins and his future teammate in Houston Charles Barkley. There is also criticism of Jordan – that is how the book starts out with Pippen’s account of how he felt upon the airing of the documentary “The Last Dance” in April 2020. It is true that Pippen did feel that the team and his teammates slighted him many times, on and off the court. Because he did not deny this and instead explained why he was upset about certain issues was something I liked about the book and Pippen’s stories.
This does not necessarily mean that I would agree with everything he said or that because of his explanation I would change my opinion of what he did, but the honesty is refreshing. He doesn’t care whether one agrees or disagrees with him, whether they like it or loathe it, he just tells his version. This does clarify some things, most notably his decision to sit on the bench instead of inbound the ball with 1.8 seconds left in a 1994 playoff game. It is something that so many remember about Pippen (which is a shame because he was so much better than this one incident) that he dedicated an entire chapter of the book on this, titles “1.8 Seconds.” Just like the rest of the book, he simply describes his version and why he did what he did. Let the reader draw their own conclusion.
His relationship with Jordan is also explained honestly, in Pippen’s viewpoint. Yes, they did not always come across as the best of friends, but to call them enemies would not be accurate, at least according to Pippen. His explanation is basically that Jordan is his own person and so is Pippen. There was respect, even with the anger Pippen felt after “The Last Dance” but there was never any overt hostility.
One other aspect of this book I really liked was his writing about the important games with the Bulls, especially those in their playoff runs. He mixes play-by-play accounts with his vision of the game on the court and some of the more memorable occurrences. One story that I thought would generate more text but was really kept short was Pippen’s famous remark to Utah Jazz great Karl Malone in the NBA Finals that the “Mailman” (Malone’s nickname) doesn’t deliver and that made Malone miss a key free throw. He downplays that event but does play up other key moments whether he was involved or another teammate.
Pippen does write about other teammates as well, such as Dennis Rodman, Horace Grant and Charles Oakley. He is just as frank with his opinions of them as he is very grateful for those who helped him get to the NBA. He speaks reverently about his parents, his high school and college coaches (even if one of them was very tough on him) and others who helped steer him on his path to the Basketball Hall of Fame.
This book won’t change one’s mind about Pippen whether a reader liked him or not, or felt that he would complain too much or that he was not given his proper respect for his role in the Bulls dynasty. Regardless, if one is a fan of the Bulls dynasty or of professional basketball at that time, this is an excellent read.
https://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/20...
This book may come across to some readers as whining, complaining or bitterness because of Pippen’s criticism of several people. These include the general manager of the Bulls during that time, Jerry Krause; his first coach in Chicago Doug Collins and his future teammate in Houston Charles Barkley. There is also criticism of Jordan – that is how the book starts out with Pippen’s account of how he felt upon the airing of the documentary “The Last Dance” in April 2020. It is true that Pippen did feel that the team and his teammates slighted him many times, on and off the court. Because he did not deny this and instead explained why he was upset about certain issues was something I liked about the book and Pippen’s stories.
This does not necessarily mean that I would agree with everything he said or that because of his explanation I would change my opinion of what he did, but the honesty is refreshing. He doesn’t care whether one agrees or disagrees with him, whether they like it or loathe it, he just tells his version. This does clarify some things, most notably his decision to sit on the bench instead of inbound the ball with 1.8 seconds left in a 1994 playoff game. It is something that so many remember about Pippen (which is a shame because he was so much better than this one incident) that he dedicated an entire chapter of the book on this, titles “1.8 Seconds.” Just like the rest of the book, he simply describes his version and why he did what he did. Let the reader draw their own conclusion.
His relationship with Jordan is also explained honestly, in Pippen’s viewpoint. Yes, they did not always come across as the best of friends, but to call them enemies would not be accurate, at least according to Pippen. His explanation is basically that Jordan is his own person and so is Pippen. There was respect, even with the anger Pippen felt after “The Last Dance” but there was never any overt hostility.
One other aspect of this book I really liked was his writing about the important games with the Bulls, especially those in their playoff runs. He mixes play-by-play accounts with his vision of the game on the court and some of the more memorable occurrences. One story that I thought would generate more text but was really kept short was Pippen’s famous remark to Utah Jazz great Karl Malone in the NBA Finals that the “Mailman” (Malone’s nickname) doesn’t deliver and that made Malone miss a key free throw. He downplays that event but does play up other key moments whether he was involved or another teammate.
Pippen does write about other teammates as well, such as Dennis Rodman, Horace Grant and Charles Oakley. He is just as frank with his opinions of them as he is very grateful for those who helped him get to the NBA. He speaks reverently about his parents, his high school and college coaches (even if one of them was very tough on him) and others who helped steer him on his path to the Basketball Hall of Fame.
This book won’t change one’s mind about Pippen whether a reader liked him or not, or felt that he would complain too much or that he was not given his proper respect for his role in the Bulls dynasty. Regardless, if one is a fan of the Bulls dynasty or of professional basketball at that time, this is an excellent read.
https://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/20...
November 10, 2021
3.5 Stars
I have always been a fan of the Bulls, especially Pippen and Jordan. If you were worried about reading this based on the pre-release press, I recommend still giving it a try. There is a lot of context around what came out for the release of this book. It was not as it was made out to be.
I did like leaning a little more around Scottie and his family. I did not know all of the information around his childhood. I would have liked more of this than recapping his stats.
Scottie talked more around his stats and previous games. Talking about previous games was fine, but he did not add anything into these conversations that many would not already know. I would have liked a little more around himself. There were some tidbits thrown in that I was not aware of though and I enjoyed those parts.
There is a lot of talk around previous players and teammates. I am happy that I know who all these players were/are as it made it more interesting to read.
I was expecting much more bashing around Michael Jordan. However; most of his stories actually contradicted many of his negative statements around Jordan that you may have seen in the media. It was a little confusing and again, I think, a way to gain interest in reading his story for the release. As the stories continued, the more he talked positively around MJ, his relationship with him, and what he did for the game. He maintained that they were not super close, but had a friendship. It was just not as others perceived or as strong as others thought it would be.
Overall, I enjoyed this for what it was and the nostalgia that it brought around my favorite time in the NBA. It was much more game by game recapping than anything though. If you are a fan of Scottie Pippen or the 90’s Bulls, I think you will like it. It is not the drama that it appeared it was going to be and I was happy about that.
I have always been a fan of the Bulls, especially Pippen and Jordan. If you were worried about reading this based on the pre-release press, I recommend still giving it a try. There is a lot of context around what came out for the release of this book. It was not as it was made out to be.
I did like leaning a little more around Scottie and his family. I did not know all of the information around his childhood. I would have liked more of this than recapping his stats.
Scottie talked more around his stats and previous games. Talking about previous games was fine, but he did not add anything into these conversations that many would not already know. I would have liked a little more around himself. There were some tidbits thrown in that I was not aware of though and I enjoyed those parts.
There is a lot of talk around previous players and teammates. I am happy that I know who all these players were/are as it made it more interesting to read.
I was expecting much more bashing around Michael Jordan. However; most of his stories actually contradicted many of his negative statements around Jordan that you may have seen in the media. It was a little confusing and again, I think, a way to gain interest in reading his story for the release. As the stories continued, the more he talked positively around MJ, his relationship with him, and what he did for the game. He maintained that they were not super close, but had a friendship. It was just not as others perceived or as strong as others thought it would be.
Overall, I enjoyed this for what it was and the nostalgia that it brought around my favorite time in the NBA. It was much more game by game recapping than anything though. If you are a fan of Scottie Pippen or the 90’s Bulls, I think you will like it. It is not the drama that it appeared it was going to be and I was happy about that.
February 24, 2022
Wow. I don’t even know where to start for this book. My inspiration for reading was to learn more about NBA history and of course to see what Scottie Pippen said about Michael Jordan in response to The Last Dance documentary. I wasn’t disappointed. I was definitely entertained. I also didn’t take much of what Pippen said seriously. Scottie Pippen is so incredibly bitter towards Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls that it clouds his judgment toward every aspect of his own playing career. He wasn’t appreciated enough. He was undervalued. He was underpaid. He was the guy who held everything together. On and on and on. I kept waiting for him to just say that he thinks he was better than Jordan and late in the book, he finally says he was a better all-around player than Jordan.
One of my favorite parts was how if Jordan scored 52 points, Pippen would mention that Jordan was ‘trying to show everybody how great he was’ and ‘of course he needed 31 shots to score 52 points.’ Pippen came across as an entitled complainer who still, 20 years after his career, blamed the refs constantly, blamed his teammates, blamed Michael Jordan, but rarely himself. The legendary moment where he took himself out of the playoff game with 1.8 seconds left? He proudly (pridefully) defends it, writing in disbelief how he can’t believe Phil Jackson drew up the winning play for someone other than him.
It’s very clear how highly Pippen thinks of himself and how insecure he is at playing with arguably the greatest player ever. It’s truly a shame that Pippen looks back on his career with disdain because Michael Jordan was considered the centerpiece, as he should have been, of the Bulls’ dynasty. I learned very little about Scottie Pippen that I admire or respect and if you’re looking for any indication that he’s a loving family man or has a soft spot off the court, you won’t find it in this book. I gave this book four stars simply because I found it entertaining but in the end, I feel nothing but deep sympathy for Scottie Pippen and the person he has become. His book shouldn’t have been titled Unguarded; it should have been titled Victim.
One of my favorite parts was how if Jordan scored 52 points, Pippen would mention that Jordan was ‘trying to show everybody how great he was’ and ‘of course he needed 31 shots to score 52 points.’ Pippen came across as an entitled complainer who still, 20 years after his career, blamed the refs constantly, blamed his teammates, blamed Michael Jordan, but rarely himself. The legendary moment where he took himself out of the playoff game with 1.8 seconds left? He proudly (pridefully) defends it, writing in disbelief how he can’t believe Phil Jackson drew up the winning play for someone other than him.
It’s very clear how highly Pippen thinks of himself and how insecure he is at playing with arguably the greatest player ever. It’s truly a shame that Pippen looks back on his career with disdain because Michael Jordan was considered the centerpiece, as he should have been, of the Bulls’ dynasty. I learned very little about Scottie Pippen that I admire or respect and if you’re looking for any indication that he’s a loving family man or has a soft spot off the court, you won’t find it in this book. I gave this book four stars simply because I found it entertaining but in the end, I feel nothing but deep sympathy for Scottie Pippen and the person he has become. His book shouldn’t have been titled Unguarded; it should have been titled Victim.
April 22, 2023
This is probably a controversial thing to say but I feel like Unguarded is a little bit too much about… Basketball. Hear me out! Scottie Pippin describes the games, and stats, and media stories blow by blow. He offers little about what was happening behind the scenes. Most of what he talks about is already on the record, little to none new insight (or heart) is given. And he doesn’t really open up about his personal life, and the children he tried to deny and went to court for. But rah rah family? So it feels like you’re just listening to someone vent and not getting to know them as a human being.
In my opinion Pippin damages his image by constantly putting the ME in team. He hates Michael Jordan, he hates the Bulls, he hates that he didn’t make MORE millions. Sorry you had this terrible experience winning 6 championships, and 2 gold metals, dude. The book is catty, bitter, hypocritical and not worth the read. For example he would be like (and I paraphrase) “ Man I hate that Michael Jordan was so arrogant and self-centered, it was my talent not his that brought the team together because he wasn’t a team player, but you know who was? ME.” But then without Michael he never wins another championship, asks him to induct him into the Hall of Fame, and wants a job from him. A little respect and nostalgia for their accomplishments would’ve been a much needed balm.
The powers that be should have never let him publish this.
Watch The Last Dance instead.
Pair with Bad Blood by Taylor Swift.
In my opinion Pippin damages his image by constantly putting the ME in team. He hates Michael Jordan, he hates the Bulls, he hates that he didn’t make MORE millions. Sorry you had this terrible experience winning 6 championships, and 2 gold metals, dude. The book is catty, bitter, hypocritical and not worth the read. For example he would be like (and I paraphrase) “ Man I hate that Michael Jordan was so arrogant and self-centered, it was my talent not his that brought the team together because he wasn’t a team player, but you know who was? ME.” But then without Michael he never wins another championship, asks him to induct him into the Hall of Fame, and wants a job from him. A little respect and nostalgia for their accomplishments would’ve been a much needed balm.
The powers that be should have never let him publish this.
Watch The Last Dance instead.
Pair with Bad Blood by Taylor Swift.
August 6, 2023
Tokia iš hate'o gimusi knyga :) Kaip Scottie Pippen pradeda prologe, jis pažiūrėjo Netflix'e "The Last Dance" ir suprato, jog viską parodė ne taip, o Jordanas nėra toks geras. Be to, už "The Last Dance" Jordanui sumokėjo 10 mln., o jam tai nieko. Prologas prasideda tokia neapykantos tirada, jog atrodo, net kraujuojantis princas William'as eis į pavėsį. Tačiau pati knyga, tai tokia sausa biografija, kur 80% aprašytos labiausiai įsiminusios rungtynės Pipeno karjeroje. Įdomu prisiminti, bet tiek ir baigiasi. Bet kokiu atveju, krepšininkas labai atrodo piktas ir turbūt tik sustiprina įvaizdį, kad visa "Chicago Bulls" buvo laiminti komanda, kur netrukdė, jog visi nekentė vienas kito. Gal tokios ir yra laiminčios komandos?
December 27, 2021
A chronicle of Pippen’s basketball life, but also a rebuttal to “The Last Dance” docuseries. He has some not-so-nice things to say about MJ, and the Bulls organization in particular. It was a bit uncomfortable, but felt honest. His prime was back when I actually watched NBA, so major nostalgia. Lots of game recaps and stats.
Fun fact: A friend of mine, who is a Nashville makeup artist, did Pippen’s grooming/makeup for this cover shoot. 🤩
Fun fact: A friend of mine, who is a Nashville makeup artist, did Pippen’s grooming/makeup for this cover shoot. 🤩
December 26, 2021
This book was a fun blast to the past reliving the glory days of the Bulls from my teenage years. But pippen’s tone is so whiny that bit became difficult to finish the book. He is an amazing player and had an incredible HOF career . His story of growing up and family is truly inspiring . It’s too bad he felt he had to defend his legacy by writing a book with such a bitter tone. He comes across as a grumpy old man—and I think he is better than that . If anything this book actually tarnishes his legacy rather than burnishing it. And that’s a shame. Number 33 was the best all around player on a dynasty. His body of work speaks as is for itself as one of the most gifted players, ever.
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January 17, 2022A sajtóban előzetesen megjelent részlet alapján attól féltem, hogy egy megkeseredett ember panaszkodása lesz, de ehhez képest egy jó stílusú, olvasmányos felelevenítése egy felelevenítésre méltó pályafutásnak - persze a vélt vagy jogos sérelmeket a maguk helyén mindig felemlegetve. Összességében szimpatikus lett Pippen, bár nyilván eddig is szerettem. Érdekes belelátni az öltözői hierarchiákba és csapattársakkal, edzőkkel, vezetőségi tagokkal való kapcsolatok alakulásába. Bár mindig a csapat fontosságát hangsúlyozza, azért átsüt a lapokon, milyen meghatározó volt Jordan a Bullsban.
Vicces apróságok is kiderülnek, például hogy Pippen játék kígyókat rejtett Jordan öltözőszekrényébe, vagy épp megdobta velük, mert Jordan retteg a kígyóktól.
Főleg a kosárlabda iránt érdeklődőknek tudnám ajánlani, nekik viszont jó szívvel (kiegészítésként a Last Dance sorozathoz), a régi Bulls rajongóinak pedig egyenesen kötelező.
Vicces apróságok is kiderülnek, például hogy Pippen játék kígyókat rejtett Jordan öltözőszekrényébe, vagy épp megdobta velük, mert Jordan retteg a kígyóktól.
Főleg a kosárlabda iránt érdeklődőknek tudnám ajánlani, nekik viszont jó szívvel (kiegészítésként a Last Dance sorozathoz), a régi Bulls rajongóinak pedig egyenesen kötelező.
January 7, 2022
The writing is super duper corny and the sour grapes from basically the first page to the last are enough to muddy the opinions of people who see Pippen as the soft spoken Robin to Michael’s Batman.
But it’s still a must read for fans of the 90’s Bulls and all that they accomplished.
But it’s still a must read for fans of the 90’s Bulls and all that they accomplished.
December 19, 2022
Can’t believe how bitter he is over the smallest stuff. I also can’t believe one of his people didn’t throw themselves in front of this.
February 11, 2022
“I thought being a professional basketball player meant you practiced for 2 hours and got the rest of the day off.” One thing I liked about this book was that it talked about his own journey. It talked about how he got to where he’s at. Another thing I liked about the book was that he not only talked about his experiences he talked about his teammates experiences. The 3rd thing I liked about this book is that he talked about his family and how his life style was growing up and he talked about how it was like back then. The 4th thing I liked about this book is that he is one of my favorite Chicago Bulls player and he kind of inspired me to get into the sport. The last thing I liked about this book was how he talked about his emotions during or after the games and how he felt about winning awards and things like that.
November 24, 2021
I remember when the Bulls were on fire in the 90's, it was all Michael Jordon/Scottie Pippen all the time. When the Last Dance came out I heard about how Scottie wasn't happy with things, so when this popped up on my library's website I thought I'd give it a try.
I think part of what he says is probably true, part is probably sour grapes. The one thing we know is that he was a great basketball player on a team when things were really good for them, something so many would kill for. I hope at some point he can find the peace he is looking for.
I think part of what he says is probably true, part is probably sour grapes. The one thing we know is that he was a great basketball player on a team when things were really good for them, something so many would kill for. I hope at some point he can find the peace he is looking for.
November 14, 2021
Its his version of the story. Some comes off as whiny and jealous - other parts seem genuine and grateful. I could not put it down, so the story is good. I just sit in the camp of Jordan is the greatest I've watched and Scottie was awesome as well, just not Jordan and that should be good enough. Sometimes it feels as though for Pippen, it was not. Again, not my story - so I am grateful to hear his side.
December 8, 2025
I loved the 90’s Bulls teams and was excited to read Scottie Pippens side of the story of playing with Michael Jordan. Scottie was an amazing player and I always thought he didn’t get the credit he deserved being in the shadow of the Michael Jordan. It was refreshing to hear his side and understand his own upbringing and how he operated as a player.
February 18, 2022
I decided over halfway through I did not want to finish. Originally I picked this up to gain more insight into Pippen's life. I resonated with his personality as depicted in The Last Dance series on the Chicago Bulls (*cough* MJ *cough*) and was excited to start. Unfortunately, from page 1 onward, Pippen communicates that this book is simply a response to Jordan and the way he curated elements of the television series. I hurt for the guy, but I desperately wanted a beautiful story of how he overcame the shadowing he endured during his time with the Bulls. He did give some context based on his life history that helped shape some of the perspective he brought to the series. Ultimately disappointed in the tone of the book.
August 30, 2022
As a huge Chicago Bulls fan and player and lover of basketball in general, I wanted to enjoy this book more than I actually did.
Pippen's "Unguarded" has that quality to it in the basketball sense. When you're not guarded, when you're playing alone, you do unusual stuff even for you. You take trick shots, you take shots you have no business playing, you try to expand your game, you're unafraid of messing up, looking bad, or being embarrassed. You take imaginary cheap shots, you trash talk, you imagine yourself as the focal point. You castigate enemies/opponents and detractors needlessly (see Jerry Krause in this book).
It's great that Scottie Pippen is comfortable enough with himself that he can take this open approach in a non-ephemeral media - a literally printed book - rather than in an unrecorded gym or park asphalt top. But that doesn't make his account entirely representative or definitive. It also doesn't result in the greatest tone of this book, which is mostly humorless. But when Pippen is funny, his jokes are at the same time cutting, hilarious, and obvious to those with any knowledge of basketball history.
Pippen takes Michael Jordan to task for not being inclusive enough of his teammates as is a common criticism of His Airness. But then Pippen does the same thing himself.
This book is at its best when Pippen is going through his motivations for doing different things. Why did Pippen refuse to play those 1.8 seconds? Why did Pippen agree to play on the Dream Team? Why did Pippen not pursue the Los Angeles Lakers when they were coached by Phil Jackson? Why did Pippen demand trades and sign with certain teams? Why did Pippen persevere through early struggles conditioning in high school? The answers to these and other questions are the best parts of this book.
This book is at its worst in some of the play-by-play summaries of basketball games and series. Some of them are engaging, but eventually they get repetitive, especially from the "Last Dance" season on through his final stint with the Bulls.
I find it telling that the last play-by-play sections adjoin sections where Pippen talks about his family and trying to find other basketball careers. Obviously both are in the same time span of his life so in a linear, narrative autobiography like this their placement makes sense. But it appears Pippen has missed the obvious career he should go into - media. He at times writes with a sort of hidden reverence for Michael Jordan's mass market/media presence. Why not get in the same business yourself, Pip? You clearly want to be a TV analyst, or play-by-play or color commentator.
But despite its flaws, I really enjoyed this book. I learned a lot about number 33.
Recommended for any Chicago Bulls fan.
Pippen's "Unguarded" has that quality to it in the basketball sense. When you're not guarded, when you're playing alone, you do unusual stuff even for you. You take trick shots, you take shots you have no business playing, you try to expand your game, you're unafraid of messing up, looking bad, or being embarrassed. You take imaginary cheap shots, you trash talk, you imagine yourself as the focal point. You castigate enemies/opponents and detractors needlessly (see Jerry Krause in this book).
It's great that Scottie Pippen is comfortable enough with himself that he can take this open approach in a non-ephemeral media - a literally printed book - rather than in an unrecorded gym or park asphalt top. But that doesn't make his account entirely representative or definitive. It also doesn't result in the greatest tone of this book, which is mostly humorless. But when Pippen is funny, his jokes are at the same time cutting, hilarious, and obvious to those with any knowledge of basketball history.
Pippen takes Michael Jordan to task for not being inclusive enough of his teammates as is a common criticism of His Airness. But then Pippen does the same thing himself.
This book is at its best when Pippen is going through his motivations for doing different things. Why did Pippen refuse to play those 1.8 seconds? Why did Pippen agree to play on the Dream Team? Why did Pippen not pursue the Los Angeles Lakers when they were coached by Phil Jackson? Why did Pippen demand trades and sign with certain teams? Why did Pippen persevere through early struggles conditioning in high school? The answers to these and other questions are the best parts of this book.
This book is at its worst in some of the play-by-play summaries of basketball games and series. Some of them are engaging, but eventually they get repetitive, especially from the "Last Dance" season on through his final stint with the Bulls.
I find it telling that the last play-by-play sections adjoin sections where Pippen talks about his family and trying to find other basketball careers. Obviously both are in the same time span of his life so in a linear, narrative autobiography like this their placement makes sense. But it appears Pippen has missed the obvious career he should go into - media. He at times writes with a sort of hidden reverence for Michael Jordan's mass market/media presence. Why not get in the same business yourself, Pip? You clearly want to be a TV analyst, or play-by-play or color commentator.
But despite its flaws, I really enjoyed this book. I learned a lot about number 33.
Recommended for any Chicago Bulls fan.
April 27, 2022
Scottie Pippen’s Unguarded is the story of a “skinny boy from Hamburg, Arkansas, who had nothing going for him but a dream” and went on to be “honored as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History.” From one challenge to the next, the message he carried and communicates: “You can make it.”
“The hard work didn’t start with me…The hard work started with Ethel Pippen. I saw the effort Mom made every day…There was no limit to the amount of love in that woman’s heart…The Lord is a powerful presence in my life today, and that’s because of [my mom].”
“I’ll be forever grateful to my parents…for raising me right and providing me with the tools I needed to succeed. They are the ones who helped me understand what it means to be accountable and work hard. They also stressed the importance of being compassionate and kind. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their love and support.”
“A basketball team is no different from a family, each person assigned a specific role…A basketball team [is] a pack, and not a collection of separate individuals…No individual had a more profound, and lasting, impact on the team than…our assistant coach. While Coach Dyer focused on the plays, Coach Jones…focused on the people. He helped us think of the lives we would be living long after we were finished with basketball. Or basketball was finished with us. What kind of fathers would we be? What kind of husbands? What kind of citizens?”
“What matters when you are a professional basketball player is where you spend your time–and the people you spend your time with…We did something more important than lifting weights. We lifted each other…The players who believe in one another, and sacrifice for one another, are the players who win championships…Everything must end at some point, in basketball and in life. We should celebrate change, wherever it might lead us.”
“The hard work didn’t start with me…The hard work started with Ethel Pippen. I saw the effort Mom made every day…There was no limit to the amount of love in that woman’s heart…The Lord is a powerful presence in my life today, and that’s because of [my mom].”
“I’ll be forever grateful to my parents…for raising me right and providing me with the tools I needed to succeed. They are the ones who helped me understand what it means to be accountable and work hard. They also stressed the importance of being compassionate and kind. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their love and support.”
“A basketball team is no different from a family, each person assigned a specific role…A basketball team [is] a pack, and not a collection of separate individuals…No individual had a more profound, and lasting, impact on the team than…our assistant coach. While Coach Dyer focused on the plays, Coach Jones…focused on the people. He helped us think of the lives we would be living long after we were finished with basketball. Or basketball was finished with us. What kind of fathers would we be? What kind of husbands? What kind of citizens?”
“What matters when you are a professional basketball player is where you spend your time–and the people you spend your time with…We did something more important than lifting weights. We lifted each other…The players who believe in one another, and sacrifice for one another, are the players who win championships…Everything must end at some point, in basketball and in life. We should celebrate change, wherever it might lead us.”
November 13, 2023
"Y recuerdo el día en que, en el instituto, estuve a punto de dejar de correr por las gradas. Mientras jadeaba en esos escalones, escuché una voz interior que me hablaba con más fuerza que nunca. Esa voz decía lo mismo que me decían mis compañeros de equipo. Un mensaje que llevaría conmigo desde ese día en adelante, de un desafío al siguiente: '¡Vamos, Pipp, tú puedes!'" -Scottie Pippen.
Un libro muy interesante que nos presenta todo lo que Scottie Pippen tuvo que afrontar durante su vida personal como profesional; y es muy enriquecedora la "otra cara de la moneda" que narra respecto a sus años con los Chicago Bulls. Opiniones y perspectivas muy válidas, aunque no se me quita esa sensación de permanente victimismo en la que el autor se pone, en gran medida, respecto a su relación con Michael Jordan (¿Escribir un libro en respuesta al documental "the last dance"?). ¡Venga hombre! Hay quienes son las estrellas y quienes los acompañan. Creo que vale la pena que reflexione sobre lo maravillosa que fue su carrera. Muchísimos jugadores (incluso mejores que él) envidian todo lo que él logró en su carrera profesional.
Obra muy recomendable para los amantes de los deportes y, en especial, para los fans del deporte ráfaga.
Un libro muy interesante que nos presenta todo lo que Scottie Pippen tuvo que afrontar durante su vida personal como profesional; y es muy enriquecedora la "otra cara de la moneda" que narra respecto a sus años con los Chicago Bulls. Opiniones y perspectivas muy válidas, aunque no se me quita esa sensación de permanente victimismo en la que el autor se pone, en gran medida, respecto a su relación con Michael Jordan (¿Escribir un libro en respuesta al documental "the last dance"?). ¡Venga hombre! Hay quienes son las estrellas y quienes los acompañan. Creo que vale la pena que reflexione sobre lo maravillosa que fue su carrera. Muchísimos jugadores (incluso mejores que él) envidian todo lo que él logró en su carrera profesional.
Obra muy recomendable para los amantes de los deportes y, en especial, para los fans del deporte ráfaga.
October 29, 2024
Unguarded is a bitter-old-man-memoir, a genre that's perhaps unsurprisingly common and full of options. As a book, it's about as standard as it gets, but because I grew up in the Michael Jordan era (note that I did not say the Scottie Pippen era) the subject matter was automatically interesting to me for unrelated reasons. So I had no trouble blowing through this material, but that doesn't make it good.
Specifically, I have a few major complaints, starting with the fact almost nothing in here has not already written been written elsewhere. Pippen says this book is a chance to tell his story in his own words, but he mostly just confirms every story he was involved with and insists he has no regrets and would not do anything differently, over and over again. The other issue is that the tone is a little inconsistent at best. It reads as if he wanted to mostly vent, and his co-author (or perhaps an editor) went through and pointed out that made him sound awful, so adjustments were made to give reluctant credit to the same people Pippen was tearing down two sentences ago. I'm not sure what to make of it, but Pippen seems to have a problem with just about everyone from his past while also recognizing they were probably fine at the same time. He takes the same viewpoint with some of the incidents where he acted in less-than-favorable fashion, essentially acknowledging it probably didn't go well, but that he sure isn't going to apologize for it or wish he could go back and change it.
The result is merely a recap of all the things you already knew about the Bulls big run in the 90s, but with dozens of reminders that Scottie Pippen was good. Everyone already knows that. I can't imagine it was easy being as good at something as the author was at basketball and having to perform your craft next to maybe the very best who ever did it; I'm sure that's a tough thing for a large ego to process. But I've got to think there are better ways to handle it than Scottie has. He's no more likable than Michael Jordan, and that's a pretty low bar to clear.
For me, I think Scottie should have gone all the way here and just let it fly unedited. The premise of a tell-all story from his perspective is enticing, but he only goes halfway, largely saying what he wants to say without fully committing to any of it. It's easy to read between the lines and recognize he's never felt appreciated enough, but he didn't need to write a book for that. If he wanted to respond to The Last Dance and call Michael out, he should have gone all the way with it, even if it meant escalating the conflict between the two of them. Instead, he hinted he was willing to do that, but did not deliver, just like Karl Malone on Sundays. Quite frankly, he and Michael are never making up regardless since they are both stubborn assholes who hold grudges forever. There's no relationship to protect, and this completely mediocre book could have at least held some extra appeal if he wasn't afraid to make it spicier. Nothing to see here.
Specifically, I have a few major complaints, starting with the fact almost nothing in here has not already written been written elsewhere. Pippen says this book is a chance to tell his story in his own words, but he mostly just confirms every story he was involved with and insists he has no regrets and would not do anything differently, over and over again. The other issue is that the tone is a little inconsistent at best. It reads as if he wanted to mostly vent, and his co-author (or perhaps an editor) went through and pointed out that made him sound awful, so adjustments were made to give reluctant credit to the same people Pippen was tearing down two sentences ago. I'm not sure what to make of it, but Pippen seems to have a problem with just about everyone from his past while also recognizing they were probably fine at the same time. He takes the same viewpoint with some of the incidents where he acted in less-than-favorable fashion, essentially acknowledging it probably didn't go well, but that he sure isn't going to apologize for it or wish he could go back and change it.
The result is merely a recap of all the things you already knew about the Bulls big run in the 90s, but with dozens of reminders that Scottie Pippen was good. Everyone already knows that. I can't imagine it was easy being as good at something as the author was at basketball and having to perform your craft next to maybe the very best who ever did it; I'm sure that's a tough thing for a large ego to process. But I've got to think there are better ways to handle it than Scottie has. He's no more likable than Michael Jordan, and that's a pretty low bar to clear.
For me, I think Scottie should have gone all the way here and just let it fly unedited. The premise of a tell-all story from his perspective is enticing, but he only goes halfway, largely saying what he wants to say without fully committing to any of it. It's easy to read between the lines and recognize he's never felt appreciated enough, but he didn't need to write a book for that. If he wanted to respond to The Last Dance and call Michael out, he should have gone all the way with it, even if it meant escalating the conflict between the two of them. Instead, he hinted he was willing to do that, but did not deliver, just like Karl Malone on Sundays. Quite frankly, he and Michael are never making up regardless since they are both stubborn assholes who hold grudges forever. There's no relationship to protect, and this completely mediocre book could have at least held some extra appeal if he wasn't afraid to make it spicier. Nothing to see here.
Read
October 10, 2022I don’t have a review for the writing of the book but I do have a review for the content: Disclosure: I was a huge Bulls fan and MJ could do no wrong. I do think he was the greatest to ever play the game bc he inspired so many other great players and his skill and finesse catapulted the game of basketball to heights never before reached. Wait, is my post regarding Scottie’s book mostly about Michael? Well, so was Scottie’s book! An unbelievable bitch session about his life in the shadow of MJ. His 30 minute prologue about his hurt feelings over The Last Dance should tip you off to the trajectory of this “memoir”.
I’ve proposed some new titles more fitting to the content:
Jealous
Bitter
Pretty good “shadow” to be in, right?
Learned From the Best
Ungrateful
Wonder if MJ regrets saying yes to presenting him at the HoF induction after he trashed him in this book. Probably not, MJ was never rattled by someone like Scottie.
I’ve proposed some new titles more fitting to the content:
Jealous
Bitter
Pretty good “shadow” to be in, right?
Learned From the Best
Ungrateful
Wonder if MJ regrets saying yes to presenting him at the HoF induction after he trashed him in this book. Probably not, MJ was never rattled by someone like Scottie.
July 1, 2022
Élvezetes olvasmány, érdekes könyv. A sértettség és a keserűség kicsit túlságosan kiérződött belőle. Az, hogy leírja őszintén, mennyit hibázott, milyen rossz meccsei, szériái voltak, derék dolog - bár megerősítette bennem az érzést, hogy tényleg csak egy félisten volt, a "földre szállt Isten" Jordanhez képest.
Összességében azt sajnálom, hogy a csapattársakról, a háttérről, a meccseken, pályán kívül történt eseményekről nem írt többet. Ezeket már annyian annyiszor leírták, annyi videóban, sorozatban feldolgozták, hogy kis túlzással mindenki fejből tudja, hány meccsen jutottak túl a Lakersön vagy a Seattle-ön a döntőben.
A Phil Jacksonnal való visszás kapcsolata viszont meglepett, nem tudtam, hogy ennyire megorrolt rá.
Összességében azt sajnálom, hogy a csapattársakról, a háttérről, a meccseken, pályán kívül történt eseményekről nem írt többet. Ezeket már annyian annyiszor leírták, annyi videóban, sorozatban feldolgozták, hogy kis túlzással mindenki fejből tudja, hány meccsen jutottak túl a Lakersön vagy a Seattle-ön a döntőben.
A Phil Jacksonnal való visszás kapcsolata viszont meglepett, nem tudtam, hogy ennyire megorrolt rá.
December 25, 2021
UNGUARDED by Scottie PIPPIN was a good book. At first I am not a fan of sports books but this book opened my eyes to the real person Scottie pippin was. He started out helping his brother and his dad . He made his way through the NBA and eventually retiring. A must read for anyone who likes non fiction
November 24, 2021
Being from Chicago and being fortunate enough to live to watch the 90’s Bulls play, I was a little hesitant with this book once I heard some publicity about it. Pippin has always been such a great Basketball player but he’s always been a bitter person. To be honest, he sounded like a little whiney bitch in this book. He sounds very petty and pretty much wrote this book to a) make money and b) trying to settle a score that he built inside his head. Wasn’t sure what to expect but it really was a bit of a disappointment.
January 23, 2022
Good book. Talked about his story and how he got drafted. Also talked about his successful career in the NBA. Very much like the "Last Dance", but he criticized Jordan instead of praising him.
January 29, 2022
I will always enjoy the 90’s Bulls. Reading what it was like from an inside perspective is interesting and welcome and this is also a good autobiography.
August 3, 2022
The less talked about half of one of the most dynamic duos in NBA history, Pippen opens up on his humble beginnings to the struggles of always being looked at as Robin to MJ’s Batman.
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