Scottie Pippen admitted Michael Jordan was his second choice to induct him into the Hall of Fame: 'So what if Michael and I weren't best friends?'

During the Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony, a player is inducted by a presenter. The presenter should be a member of the Hall of Fame and is usually a former teammate, coach, or another player who played a big part in the inductee's journey to Springfield.

For former Chicago Bulls forward Scottie Pippen, who was part of the 2010 Hall of Fame class, he wanted Philadelphia 76ers legend Julius Erving to be his presenter, except he had one problem.

"I thought about asking 'Dr. J' since he was the player I idolized growing up," wrote Pippen in his book Unguarded via Esquire.

"Except I barely knew him."

Pippen went with the obvious choice

Like most players who grew up in the 80s, Scottie was in awe of Erving. "Dr. J" was one of the first true superstars in the NBA. Not only was he an outstanding basketball player whose game kids loved to emulate, but he was also a very charismatic person.

However, Erving retired after the 1986-87 NBA season, and Pippen was only drafted into the league that summer. Although he said he met the "Doctor" during some NBA events, they didn't know each other well. Instead, Pippen went with the obvious - Michael Jordan, whom he played with for 12 seasons in Chicago.

"There really was no other choice," added Pippen. "So what if Michael and I weren't best friends? The two of us will forever be linked together, and we are the best duo in NBA history. He helped make my dreams come true, as I helped make his. He said yes right away, and I was extremely grateful."

Scottie helped Michael turn the Bulls into a dynasty

Jordan and Pippen were the greatest 1-2 punch ever. Before Pip, MJ never won a single playoff series. Together, they led the Bulls to six NBA championships from 1991 to 1998. During his speech, Pippen paid tribute to MJ.

"MJ, you have touched so many people's lives, but none like mine," spoke Scottie. "Thank you for being the best teammate. I will always cherish that experience and I will cherish our relationship forever."

A lot has happened since that 2010 Hall of Fame induction. Jordan took a swipe at Pippen and called him 'selfish' in The Last Dance documentary. Scottie protested his portrayal in the documentary. He later called MJ a horrible teammate. Charles Oakley declared that MJ and Pip would never be friends again. But as Scottie mentioned, they will always be linked forever.