Rich Paul drops hot take on Michael Jordan’s playoff success

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Rich Paul drops hot take on Michael Jordan’s playoff success

Originally posted on Ball Exclusives | By James Parker | Last updated May 30, 2026 3:55 PM ET

The Chicago Bulls had one of the most dominant runs by a team in NBA history throughout the 1990s, thanks in part to the greatness of Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.

While Pippen is often regarded as the better defender and playmaker, Jordan is widely seen as the better overall player and a top two player of all time.

But NBA agent Rich Paul made a major statement during a recent episode of the “Game Over” podcast, pointing to Pippen as the more impactful player.

Rich Paul says Scottie Pippen was more impactful than MJ

“I think Scottie’s rings are the same as Michael Jordan’s. He was the most impactful player on the team. If you unplug Scottie Pippen off that team, Jordan is 0-6”

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— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 30, 2026

“I think Scottie’s rings are the same as Michael Jordan’s,” Paul said to Max Kellerman and Gilbert Arenas . “He was the most impactful player on the team. If you unplug Scottie Pippen off that team, Jordan is 0-for-6.”

“You’re talking about a guy that’s 6’9″ who plays both sides of the ball. He’s got a 7’3″ wingspan, he can initiate the offense. You had three guys on that team that were on the All-Defensive Team.”

For good reason, Paul’s comments quickly went viral on social media, with fans chiming in with their own takes. Paul is the agent of NBA superstar LeBron James, a fact that many online pointed out in response.

In fairness, Pippen was a seven-time All-Star and is one of the greatest defenders in NBA history.

It’s reasonable to say that Jordan may not have six rings if Pippen hadn’t been by his side, but it might be extreme to say he would be ringless.

This article first appeared on Ball Exclusives and was syndicated with permission.

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