Out of nowhere, Draymond Green stirred the pot when he claimed the 2017 Golden State Warriors would have taken care of both the 1998 Chicago Bulls and the Utah Jazz. Draymond said there was no need to compare eras, but he made a bold statement about two of the most memorable teams of all time.
He would double down on those comments a few days later, saying the final score in Game 5 of the 1998 Finals was the perfect example of why the Golden State Warriors would easily handle those two teams.
“Everyone is talking about your tweet about how you could beat the 98′ Bulls by a dub, do you really believe it? Draymond Green: at 40! Interviewer: 40? Who locks up Jordan? Draymond: It’s not about that, it’s not about locking anyone up. See the part that people miss is that there is an era difference. See these guys play from the free throw line, see I was watching game 5 of the 98′ final against the Jazz, the final score was 82-81. It’s a halftime score. My whole point is to compare eras, it just doesn’t make sense. Nobody scores 82 points in a game today. I don’t know if we’re sweeping the Bulls but I know we’re winning and I’ll get my fifth ring.
These comments obviously didn’t sit well with many people in the league, and many fans attacked Draymond for them. Richard Jefferson also trolled him over the comments, but he’s not the latest former player to message Green. In fact, a member of those Chicago Bulls recently fired back at the four-time NBA champion.
Scottie Pippen also heard those comments and he wasn’t thrilled about them. The Chicago Bulls legend sent a series of messages to Dray, showing his faith in the mighty Bulls.
Via Yahoo Sports:
“Put that out there: The best team to win a championship is the ’96 Bulls,” he told NBC Sports Chicago while promoting a partnership with DICK’s Sporting Goods to give back to Chicago through the through basketball camp and equipment giveaways.
Yes, Pippen opted against a direct comparison between the 2017 Warriors and the 1998 Bulls. But his larger point about the greatness of those Bulls dynasty teams stands.
“Tell Draymond, I’m shouting back,” Pippen chided.
What made that 1996 team, in particular, so great in Pippen’s memory?
“Our record,” he said flatly.
These debates are always heated and those involved often want to have the last word and laugh. Pippen has been very outspoken lately, even going against the people who helped him win six championships in the 90s. Still, Scottie is ready to defend the things he accomplished in those years, showing that he still respects those who made the Chicago Bulls one of the greatest dynasties in NBA history.