Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 best No. 5 picks in NBA Draft history
By Ryan Piers
2. Scottie Pippen
Scottie Pippen and Wade are extremely comparable. The great Chicago Bull scored less, averaging 16.1 points per game, but was a better rebounder with 6.4 boards a night and averaged 5.2 assists per contest, nearly the same as Wade. Wade’s advanced numbers are better, but Pippen notched more career win shares. He also won six titles compared to Wade’s three.
Pippen played in Chicago, while Wade was from the Windy City. Both are two of the NBA’s greatest “sidekicks” of all time, competing for one team for years before bouncing between a couple other squads.
Pippen or Wade? Take your pick. It’s tough to really say which one had the better career. We’ll slate Scottie as the second best No. 5 pick of all time. What’s clear is Cleveland would be ecstatic if its first round selection is anywhere near as good as either of the two.
Out of all the 90s greats, Pippen might fit in best with the contemporary NBA. He was a long forward with an albatross-like 7’3″ wingspan that could handle the ball. He locked down opposing stars and was an expert corner 3-point shooter.
Pippen was listed as a small forward, but he was really position-less. The Bulls went small with Dennis Rodman at the center and he’d guard power forwards. Or he could play point.
Pippen was traded to the Bulls on draft night from the Seattle SuperSonics. Olden Polynice still haunts fans of the defunct franchise in their dreams.