Pierce or Pippen

[Big333223]

As a Celtic fan board, I feel pretty confident I know how this will play out but I saw some comments in a thread a few days ago really extolling Pippen and I'm curious just how well regarded he is and thought this could be an interesting match up.

Greater player, Pierce or Pippen?

[gouki88]

I wonder what Pippen’s career would’ve looked like had he been the #1 a team was built around.

Obviously I’m biased because Paul is one of my favourite Celtics ever, but even trying to think as objectively as I can this is hard 

[Csfan1984]

Pippen had a better all around game.

[Celtics4ever]

Pippen better all around, Paul Pierce is a better closer

[Roy H.]

Come on now. Pippen, and it’s not close.

[Jiri Welsch]

Scottie Pippen.

[KungPoweChicken]

Pierce was the better offensive player.

[mr. dee]

Pippen. I mean, he actually lead a 50+ win Bulls without Jordan.

[perks-a-beast]

People forget how ridiculously good Scottie pippen was because how over shadowed he was by Michael..it's insane that they even played on the same team. That would be like if Kobe and Pierce teamed up...scary to think about. If the Celtics drafted Kobe instead of Antoine in 96 I think those two would have teamed up for 7 or 8 titles...okay I'm getting off track

[celticinorlando]

Pierce. Not even an argument

[bellerephon]

Come on now. Pippen, and it’s not close.

I get it if people pick Pippen, but to say it's not close is a bit much. It's pretty darn close. A lot of Pippens' career he was aided by the fact that defenses had to focus so much on Jordan. I'm not saying that negates his greatness, but you need to take that into account.

[perks-a-beast]

Come on now. Pippen, and it’s not close.

To say it's not close is a bit strong. Pierce made 3 more all star games, was was more clutch, better 3 point shooter, more potent offensive player all around. Was also better for longer. Pippens game really declined around 32/33. Pierce was still the 1st offensive options on some great teams at that age.

I'll give pippen the edge defensively. Perhaps the best defensive wing the league has ever seen. Pierce was no slouch either though.

[footey]

Pierce more crafty. More clutch.

Pippen much better defender. Better athlete. And much better in open court.

Poll anyone outside Boston, 90% take Pippen.

[Beat LA]

People forget how ridiculously good Scottie pippen was because how over shadowed he was by Michael..it's insane that they even played on the same team. That would be like if Kobe and Pierce teamed up...scary to think about. If the Celtics drafted Kobe instead of Antoine in 96 I think those two would have teamed up for 7 or 8 titles...okay I'm getting off track

I think that a better analogy would have been taking Kobe in 1996 and Tracy McGrady in 1997 - an idea that was entertained by, as usual, Jerry West . Jesus . Dude is beyond incredible, lol -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgly9vnC2gY

[Roy H.]

Come on now. Pippen, and it’s not close.

I get it if people pick Pippen, but to say it's not close is a bit much. It's pretty darn close. A lot of Pippens' career he was aided by the fact that defenses had to focus so much on Jordan. I'm not saying that negates his greatness, but you need to take that into account.

It's really not close.  Seven All-NBA teams for Pippen (3-first; 2-second; 2-third); 10 All-Defense selections.  Pierce four All-NBA selections (1-second; 3-third); zero All-Defense.

Pippin leads in titles (obviously), but also rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, eFG%.  Pierce leads in scoring and FT%.  That's despite Pippen being a #2 option (behind the NBA's career leader in Usage) and Pierce being a clear #1 (six times being in the top-10 in Usage).

I stand by my statement:  it's not really close.