Pippen is the number one small forward in history? Not to mention James, Larry Bird of the same generation is also better than Pippen

On May 19, the names of the three legendary stars Pippen, Bird and James are always mentioned repeatedly. Although Pippen's brilliant achievements in the Bulls dynasty are undeniable, this view may be difficult to convince the public if he is the number one small forward in history. In fact, even if James, who came from behind, was obviously better than Larry Bird, who was in Pippen's contemporary, in terms of personal abilities, honor accumulation and influence on the game.

First from personal data, Bird averaged 24.3 points, 10 rebounds and 6.3 assists in his career, shooting percentage of 49.6% and three-point shooting percentage of 37.6%. In contrast, Pippen averaged 16.1 points, 6.4 rebounds and 5.2 assists in his career, shooting 47.3% from the field and 32.6% from three-point shooting percentage. Bird is all-round ahead in three major statistics: scoring, rebounding and assists, and is more efficient. Bird has entered the "180 Club" for three consecutive seasons (50% shooting percentage, 40% shooting percentage from three points, 90% shooting percentage from free throw percentage), showing amazing comprehensiveness and efficiency. Although Pippen is comprehensive, his dominance on the offensive end is significantly different from Bird.

In terms of personal honors, Bird won the regular season MVP (1984-1986), 3 championships (1981, 1984, 1986), 2 Finals MVP, 12 All-Stars, and 9 Best Team Team One. Pippen has 6 championships (1991-1993, 1996-1998), 7 All-Stars, 3 Best Team One Team One Team One Team One Team One Team One Team One Team One Team One Team One Team One Team One Team One Team One Team One Team One Team One Team One Team One Team One Team One Team One Team One Team One Team One Team One Team One Team One Team One Team One Team One Team One Team One Team One Team One Team One due to 6 Best Team One Team One Team One Team One Team One Team One Team One Time One Time One Team One Time One Team One Time One Time One Team One Time One Team One Time One Time One Team One Time One Time One Team One Time One Time One Team One Time One Time One Team One Time One Time One Time One Team One Time One Time One Time One Team One Time One Time One Time One Team One Time One Time One Time One Time One Team One Time One Time One Time One Time One Time One Team One Time One Time One Time One Time One Time One Time One Team One Time One Time One Time One Time One Time One Time One Time One Time One Team One Time Although Pippen has a larger number of championships, it must be noted that he has achieved these achievements around Jordan. Bird is the absolute core and leader of the Celtics, and his MVP and FMVP awards are of great value. Bird won the MVP for three consecutive years from 1984 to 1986, which is second only to Russell and Chamberlain in NBA history, fully demonstrating his dominance as the core of the team.

From the perspective of technical characteristics, Bird is one of the most comprehensive offensive players in NBA history. He has accurate shooting (37.6% career three-point shooting), excellent passing vision (6.3 assists per game in his career), and top basketball IQ. Bird's back-to-back singles, face-frame offense and off-ball runs all reached the master level. Pippen is known for being all-rounder and is particularly outstanding on the defensive end (8 best defense teams), but his creativity and stability on the offensive end are not as good as Bird. Bird was able to take over the game at a critical moment, and Pippen was more often the second choice for the team.

Byder is also better in the playoffs and key games. In the 1984 Finals against the Lakers, Bird averaged 27.4 points and 14 rebounds per game, with a shooting percentage of 48.4%; in the 1985 Finals, averaging 23.8 points, 8.8 rebounds and 5 assists per game; in the 1986 Finals, averaging 24 points, 9.7 rebounds and 9.5 assists per game. In contrast, when Pippen led the team alone during Jordan's first retirement (1993-94 season), although he performed well (average 22 points, 8.7 rebounds, 5.6 assists per game), the team eventually stopped in the Eastern Conference semi-finals. In the third game of the Eastern Conference semi-finals in 1994, Pippen refused to play in the last moment, and also questioned his leadership skills.

Judging from the influence on the game, Bird completely changed the definition of the small forward position. Before him, the small forward was more regarded as a scorer or defensive expert. Bird proves that a small forward can be an offensive hub, a main scorer and a core of the organization. He pioneered the "organizing striker" style of playing, paving the way for later Pippen, James and others. Pippen, based on Bird, raised the all-around ability of the small forward to a new level, especially on the defensive end. But Bird is obviously better in terms of innovation and influence.

's performance in international competitions is also worth mentioning. Bird participated in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics as a member of the "Dream Team". Although he had passed the peak at that time, his status and influence in the team were unquestionable. Pippen is also a member of the "Dream Team", but more of it is a role player. At the 1996 Olympics, Pippen led the "Dream Three Team" as the captain to win the championship, showing a certain leadership ability, but Byrd had retired at this time.

Data on the two's direct confrontation: Bird and Pippen played 20 times in the regular season. Bird averaged 20.3 points, 8.9 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game, and Pippen averaged 15.9 points, 6.8 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game. Bird clearly prevails. However, it should be noted that when the two started to have a direct conversation (Pippen entered the league in the 1987-88 season), Bird was already 30 years old and began to suffer from back injuries, while Pippen was a fledgling. Even so, Bird still suppresses Pippen on the data.

Judging from the length of career and peak durability, Bird retired after 13 seasons due to a back injury, but his peak period (1980-1988) is at the historical level. Pippen played for 17 seasons and had a longer peak period (1990-1998), but never reached Bird's height. Bird fell seriously due to injuries at the age of 32, and Pippen was able to help the Bulls complete their second three-game title at the age of 33. However, Bird is undoubtedly stronger in terms of peak height and absolute ability.

From the perspective of team roles, Bird has been the core and leader of the Celtics since entering the league, and bears the greatest responsibility and pressure. Pippen was a growing deputy in the Bulls in the first few years, and he did not become the real second-in-command until his first three consecutive championships. This role difference also affects the data accumulation and game style of the two. Bird needs to be ready to take over the game at any time, and Pippen can focus on the areas he is good at most.

In terms of status in basketball history, Bird is widely regarded as the greatest white player in NBA history and one of the key figures in the NBA revival in the 1980s.. His "black and white showdown" with Magic Johnson saved the NBA with low ratings at the time. Pippen was an important member of the Bull Dynasty in the 1990s, but was more regarded as a right-hand man around Jordan. Although Pippen's importance is undeniable, his historical status is obviously not as good as Bird.

Of course, Pippen also has his own advantages. His defense is significantly better than Bird (8 defenses vs Bird 0), with better physical fitness, longer career and more championships.