When a tipsy Scottie Pippen won the 1994 All-Star game MVP: 'For once, it was nice to win something of my own instead of watching Michael walk off with another trophy'

With Michael Jordan's sudden retirement in 1993, his sidekick Scottie Pippen was thrust into the limelight as the Chicago Bulls' new main man, and Pippen relished the opportunity.

During the 1994 All-Star Game in Minneapolis, Pippen proved his worth and affirmed his status among the league's best when he scored 29 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and recorded four steals while leading the Eastern Conference team to a 127-118 win.

With that performance, Pippen was named as the All-Star Game MVP, and that award took something heavy off his chest.

"For once, it was nice to win something of my own instead of watching Michael walk off with another trophy," wrote Pippen in his book Unguarded via the NYPost.

Scottie's level of concentration was off the charts

But Pippen didn't just win the All-Star Game MVP award. He claims that he won it despite playing tipsy after having drank the equivalent of three beers while playing tonk with buddy Michael Clarke in his hotel room before the game.

"So I was a little tipsy," added Pippen. "So what? I wasn't planning on putting much energy into what is nothing more than an exhibition. And, you may recall, ever since I was snubbed in 1991, I didn't think much of the All-Star Game to begin with. The strangest thing then happened. When I got on the court to warm up, my level of concentration was off the charts. I hit every shot, including three-pointers."

He didn't hit every shot during the game. But Pip went 9-15 from the field, including 5-9 from three-point distance. Patrick Ewing and Mark Price also scored 20 points apiece but the All-Star MVP trophy went to Scottie, who was the game's top scorer.

Pippen blamed Jordan for never winning the DPOY award

The 1994 All-Star Game MVP award turned out to be the only individual trophy Pip won in the NBA. He was MVP-worthy that year, but Hakeem Olajuwon won 1994 NBA MVP honors. Scottie also earned 10 All-Defensive team nods, including 8 to the first team, but he never won the DPOY award. He blamed Jordan for that.

"I think they were too busy watching Michael," the legendary forward said on TrashTalk Productions' podcast.

With no MJ in sight during the 1994 NBA All-Star Game, Pippen's game shone and he was named the Star of stars. However, it's terribly wrong to blame Mike for his inability to win the DPOY award because that award is traditionally given to big men, with only eight perimeter players winning since its inception. Jordan, though, was one of those.