Yes, Scottie Pippen was considered a good perimeter shooter for his era, notable for both his volume and consistency from beyond the arc.
Pippen's 3-Point Shooting Profile
Throughout his impressive career, Scottie Pippen established himself as a significant contributor from the three-point line, especially considering the style of play during his time in the NBA. He attempted approximately 3,000 three-pointers and successfully made almost 1,000 of them. This volume of attempts and makes positioned him as a prolific perimeter shooter during his playing days.
Below is a summary of his career 3-point shooting statistics based on available data:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Career 3-Point Attempts | ~3,000 |
| Career 3-Point Makes | ~1,000 |
| Approximate Career 3-Point % | ~33.3% |
Contextualizing His 3-Point Percentage
While a 33.3% career three-point percentage might not seem exceptional by today's NBA standards, it's crucial to evaluate this figure within the context of the era in which Pippen primarily played. The 1990s, when Pippen was in his prime, featured a significantly different approach to three-point shooting across the league. League-average three-point percentages were generally lower, often hovering in the low to mid-30s.
His "prolific" volume, combined with a percentage that was competitive for the time, demonstrates his capability as an outside threat. Pippen wasn't solely a three-point specialist; his greatness lay in his all-around versatility as a defender, passer, and scorer. However, his ability to consistently knock down three-pointers added another dimension to his game, making him an even more formidable opponent.
Key Aspects of Pippen's Shooting
- Volume: He took a significant number of three-point shots for his time, indicating his willingness and coaches' confidence in him to shoot from deep.
- Consistency: Making nearly 1,000 three-pointers over his career speaks to a consistent level of execution.
- Era-Specific Effectiveness: His percentage was competitive within the league averages of his playing period.
- Versatility: His three-point shooting complemented his exceptional all-around game, making him a multifaceted threat who couldn't be ignored on the perimeter.
His presence as a perimeter threat stretched defenses and helped create space for teammates, including Michael Jordan, during the Chicago Bulls' championship runs. This contribution, coupled with his high volume for the era, solidifies his standing as a good perimeter shooter relative to his time.
For more statistics on Scottie Pippen's career, you can visit his profile on Basketball-Reference.com.
