Who has had the better basketball career so far: Scottie Pippen or Steve Kerr?

[Costanza]

Scottie Pippen

6× NBA champion (1991–1993, 1996–1998)
7× NBA All-Star (1990, 1992–1997)
NBA All-Star Game MVP (1994)
3× All-NBA First Team (1994–1996)
2× All-NBA Second Team (1992, 1997)
2× All-NBA Third Team (1993, 1998)
8× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1992–1999)
2× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1991, 2000)
NBA steals leader (1995)
No. 33 retired by Chicago Bulls
USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (1996)
2× Consensus NAIA All-American (1986, 1987)
Named a top 50 (1996) & 75 (2021) player in NBA history
3 Olympic gold medals

Steve Kerr

5× NBA champion as a player (1996–1999, 2003)
4× NBA champion as a coach (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022)
Highest career three-point percentage in NBA history
NBA Three-Point Contest champion (1997)
Second-team All-American – AP (1988)
Third-team All-American – NABC (1988)
2× First-team All-Pac-10 (1986, 1988)
No. 25 retired by Arizona Wildcats
NBA Coach of the Year (2016)
2× NBA All-Star Game head coach (2015, 2017)
Named a top 15 coach in NBA History (2021)
3 Olympic gold medals- 1 as a player, 1 as an assistant coach, one as head coach​

 

[A to Dah K]

What kinda irrelevant ass comparison is this

 

[Costanza]

What kinda irrelevant ass question is this

Irrelevant to what? Your job prospects? Who your woman is fucking? What relevancy are you searching for here?

Only thing irrelevant is your answer but you had to be the first response in a quest for relevancy.

 

[A to Dah K]

Sigh

 

[TimRock]

One person's career is stil ongoing and the others is not. Seems like your including playing days and coaching in this comparison, which is probably not fair to Scottie.
Playing career - Scottie
Post Playing - Kerr

 

[Day_Carver]

What kinda irrelevant ass comparison is this

The kind that white geek niggas and smart dumb niggas make…

 

[DJ]

 

[Costanza]

One person's career is stil ongoing and the others is not.

That's why it says so far...

But that's really not the most important part of the question. Even if you ignored the possibility of future accomplishments for Kerr, it is still an interesting comparison.

Seems like your including playing days and coaching in this comparison, which is probably not fair to Scottie.
Playing career - Scottie
Post Playing - Kerr

Why is it not fair? The question is who has had the better basketball career.

Plenty of people have remarked on Jerry West having the best basketball career ever, as arguably a top three SG of all-time and arguably the #1 GM of all-time.

For instance, you can debate who had the better playing career between Pippen and Charles Barkley. But Barkley clearly has had the better career when you consider that he went on to be a hall-of-fame broadcaster.

Longevity doesn't always put someone over the top. Kenny Smith will never be able to surpass Pippen's basketball career.

But the reason I think this is an interesting comparison is that, as crazy as it would have seemed when they were teammates, Kerr has gone on to surpass Pippen in totality, IMO.

 

[DWBass]

Well...................Steve Kerr is still making NBA money..............

 

[Day_Carver]

Yo, you a fool bro lol lol lol

 

[Costanza]

ChatGPT says Pippen:

Overall Comparison​

• On-Court Impact vs. Coaching Mastery:
  Pippen’s career is notable for his comprehensive excellence on the court. His combination of individual awards, defensive mastery, and key roles in championships places him among the elite players of his era. While Kerr’s playing career was very respectable, his individual accolades in that role do not match the breadth or consistency of Pippen’s achievements.
  On the other hand, Kerr’s post-playing career as a coach has been nothing short of stellar, which shows his deep understanding of the game. However, if the measure is overall basketball career impact—including sustained excellence as a player—Pippen’s achievements carry more weight in terms of individual performance and legacy.
• Legacy:
  Pippen is widely regarded as one of the best all-around players in NBA history—a status bolstered by both his offensive contributions and his defensive prowess. Kerr’s legacy, though significant, is more bifurcated between his playing and coaching accomplishments. For many basketball historians and fans, Pippen’s role as a linchpin in one of the greatest dynasties ever (the Chicago Bulls) makes his overall career impact even more profound.

Conclusion​

While Steve Kerr has enjoyed a remarkable dual-career with noteworthy successes as both a player and a coach, Scottie Pippen’s career is generally considered “better” in terms of his individual on-court excellence and lasting legacy as a dominant two-way player. His array of individual accolades, defensive awards, and integral role in a six-championship dynasty set him apart as one of the NBA’s all-time greats.

Thus, based on the cumulative evidence of their achievements, Scottie Pippen’s basketball career is often viewed as having been more influential and impactful than Steve Kerr’s when focusing on his performance as a player.

 

[alexw]

Come on Costanza you got to admit this is one dumbass thread.

 

[Costanza]

Asked ChatGPT about another holistic career comparison:

Michael Jordan​

Playing Legacy:

• Jordan’s on-court accomplishments are nearly unrivaled. With six NBA championships, five MVP awards, and an enduring reputation as the ultimate competitor, his playing career defined an era and set a benchmark for individual excellence. His clutch performances and scoring prowess have cemented him as the most celebrated player in NBA history.

Cultural and Global Influence:

• Beyond statistics, Jordan revolutionized the global image of basketball. His Air Jordan brand and pervasive media presence transformed the sport into a global phenomenon. His marketability and cultural impact have had lasting effects on how athletes are perceived and marketed worldwide.

Post-Playing Contributions:

• In the realm of ownership and executive roles, Jordan’s contributions are more limited. As the principal owner of the Charlotte Hornets, he has transitioned into the business side of basketball, but this phase of his career is still in its relatively early stages and has not yet matched the magnitude of his on-court legacy.

---

Jerry West​

Playing Legacy:

• West’s playing career was stellar in its own right. Known as “Mr. Clutch,” he was a 14-time All-Star and one of the most consistent performers of his era. Although his championship record as a player is less decorated than Jordan’s (with one NBA title), his impact on the court is indisputable.

Iconic Symbol:

• The fact that his silhouette became the basis for the NBA’s logo speaks volumes about his influence. His style of play and leadership were highly regarded, and he remains an enduring symbol of excellence from his era.

Executive and Organizational Impact:

• Perhaps where West’s overall career shines most is in his post-playing contributions. As an executive, he played pivotal roles in building championship teams with the Los Angeles Lakers, the Portland Trail Blazers, and later with the Clippers. His acumen in talent evaluation and team-building has left a lasting mark on the league, influencing the modern approach to basketball management.

---

Overall Comparison​

• On-Court Brilliance vs. Multifaceted Impact:
  Michael Jordan’s playing career is unparalleled—his scoring titles, championships, and cultural influence as a player place him at the pinnacle of basketball history. However, his post-playing career, while growing, has not yet reached the transformative impact seen in his playing days.
• Comprehensive Career Contribution:
  Jerry West, by contrast, has the rare distinction of excelling both as a player and as an executive. His influence extends beyond his playing days, as his decision-making and leadership in the front office have helped shape multiple successful franchises. This dual impact makes his overall basketball career notably broad in scope.
• Legacy Considerations:
  If one’s measure of “better” focuses on on-court dominance and global influence, Jordan’s career is the gold standard. However, if the measure includes the breadth of contributions—from clutch playing to shaping the league’s future through executive roles—Jerry West’s comprehensive impact becomes a compelling counterpoint.

---

Conclusion​

In summary, if we evaluate based on on-court achievements and cultural influence, Michael Jordan’s career is often seen as superior. His record-breaking performances, championship pedigree, and global brand revolutionized the sport. On the other hand, when the entirety of a basketball career is considered—including influential roles off the court—Jerry West stands out for his enduring contributions as both a legendary player and a transformative executive.

Thus, while Jordan is widely celebrated for his unparalleled playing career, West’s overall contributions across multiple facets of basketball make the “better” career a matter of perspective and criteria. Each has excelled in different arenas: Jordan in playing excellence and cultural impact, and West in blending on-court success with visionary executive leadership.

 

[Costanza]

Come on Costanza you got to admit this is one dumbass thread.

It went over your head, sadly.

 

[alexw]

It went over your head, sadly.

This is like comparing Phil Jackson to Michael Jordan. Who had the better basketball career. Come on Costanza it's stupid

 

[Costanza]

This is like comparing Phil Jackson to Michael Jordan. Who had the better basketball career. Come on Costanza it's stupid

Phil Jackson had no notable NBA achievements as a player. Of course Kerr was not in Pippen's class as a player but he was a very solid role player on multiple championship teams with the distinction of having the highest career three-point percentage in NBA history! And hitting a championship-winning shot, one of the biggest shots in NBA history! And he went on to have a top 15 coaching career, taking a team that had never been a contender and making fundamental changes that produced the greatest team of all time!!!!

You could make a solid argument in either direction. I think Kerr had the more significant career.

 

[ny1800]

This is trolling/ragebait post. No comparison for basketball careers Scotty is a million times better than Kerr. In coaching, Kerr is a million times better than Pip and you should have worded it accordingly.

 

[tallblacknyc]

Phil Jackson had no notable NBA achievements as a player. Of course Kerr was not in Pippen's class as a player but he was a very solid role player on multiple championship teams with the distinction of having the highest career three-point percentage in NBA history! And hitting a championship-winning shot, one of the biggest shots in NBA history! And he went on to have a top 15 coaching career, taking a team that had never been a contender and making fundamental changes that produced the greatest team of all time!!!!

You could make a solid argument in either direction. I think Kerr had the more significant career.

Kerr was a career benchman that never had a 10 point season. He hit a shot in the NBA finals and that kept him relevant to eventually get a commentator job and then a head coaching job

 

[Costanza]

This is trolling/ragebait post. No comparison for basketball careers Scotty is a million times better than Kerr. In coaching, Kerr is a million times better than Pip and you should have worded it accordingly.

What the fuck do you think Kerr's coaching, elk hunting?

What you call a basketball career is actually just a career as a player. Kerr's coaching is a part of his basketball career.

 

[ny1800]

Nigga this still a fuckin troll post Pippen better basketball career Kerr better Coach.

What the fuck do you think he's coaching, elk hunting?

What you call a basketball career is actually just a career as a player. Kerr's coaching is a part of his basketball career.

 

[Costanza]

Nigga this still a fuckin troll post Pippen better basketball career Kerr better Coach.

Pippen hasn't even coached to compare them!!!

This is apples and oranges but it's still fruit!

You can argue that Pippen had a better basketball career but it is not indisputable. There's a damn good case for Kerr having had the better career.

 

[Costanza]

 

[Costanza]