The Chicago Bulls unveiled a bronze bust of Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen during halftime of their game against the Boston Celtics on Thursday night (April 7), giving him a sculpture at the United Center just like his former teammate Michael Jordan.
The bronze bust shows the retired NBA great rocking his #33 Bulls jersey.
During the unveiling ceremony at halftime of a game the Bulls won 97-81 over Boston, a sellout crowd gave Pippen a standing ovation. The former NBA star was noticably emotional by the gesture of both the fans and the Bulls.
"Without the push from [the fans], none of this would have happened," Pippen said in a post-unveiling speech. "From the bottom of my heart, I really want to thank the Bulls organization, Mr. Jerry Reinsdorf, for this. This is truly special."
Pippen told the crowd he was "truly honored" and thanked the organization and fans, saying he appreciated "the love, the drive" they gave him.
The statue will be displayed in the arena concourse. It was crafted by Omri and Julie Rotblatt-Amrany of Highland Park, Ill., who also sculpted the famous Michael Jordan statue, which was unveiled in January 1994 in conjunction with the retirement of Jordan's #23 jersey.
Pippen says the bust "ranks at the top" of all the honors he's received.
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