Scottie Pippen was one of the best players in the 1990s, helping the Chicago Bulls win six championships alongside Michael Jordan. In recent years, Pippen has voiced his opinion on a number of topics. Recently, he gave an interview to a Spanish newspaper, speaking about his relationship with Jordan, but also about some modern European superstars. The two he mentioned specifically were Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic, and whether these modern superstars could play in the 1980s and 1990s.
Scottie Pippen Makes a Bold Claim About Jokic and Doncic
Scottie started talking about the difference in playing styles between the older and modern eras. He said it is a completely different game, with players being bigger, stronger, and faster. According to Pippen, in the 1980s and 1990s, basketball was more physical, and teams played with a different mentality. Asked about whether Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic could dominate in the ’90s era, he said:
“I don’t know if they could dominate. In the 80s and 90s, we used to press all over the field. Could Jokic bring the ball up against such pressure? I don’t know. Sure, he can see the court and pass very well. But I don’t know if he would be comfortable bringing the ball up from the back with that pressure.”
While Pippen does make a valid point, he forgets that there were plenty of similar players back in the days that dominated. For example, Larry Bird was a point forward with almost zero athleticism, and he dominated the 1980s like few people. When people talk about Jokic and his court vision, they often forget to bring up Arvydas Sabonis. While he came to the league older and after several injuries, Sabonis could still play at a high level.
Why Doncic and Jokic Would Dominate the 1980s
It is always interesting to talk about players from one era and how well they can play in another. But we often forget something: great superstars adjust.
Let’s talk about Luka first. At 6’7″, he is bigger than most point guards of the era. One of the reasons Magic Johnson dominated was that he was bigger than most players and could dish easily. As for Luka, his slow pace and body control would work better in the 1980s and ’90s. He would thrive against aggressive defense, since Luka thrives in contact and can bait free throws.
However, here is the big difference. Unlike ’80s guards, Doncic can score inside, outside, and draw fouls. He is tailor-made for half-court battles. When the game slows down, he knows how to get a shot up on anybody.
Now let’s go to Jokic. In the old era, he wouldn’t have needed to bring the ball up. He can operate as a point-center, something that Bill Walton and Sabonis did in the 1980s and ’90s with success. His vision, touch, and passing would redefine the center role, much like he is doing today. The conditioning myth about the Joker has been debunked many times. He has proven durable in the high-paced game, and a slower tempo would actually favor him.
In fact, the 1980s had one of the slower tempos in league history. That slow tempo actually suits Luka and Jokic.
Pippen gives a good perspective, but Luka and the Joker have a skillset that transcends eras. Legends find ways to dominate, and these two would be no different.
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