If it wasn't for Scotties back, and based on his efforts (especially his tenacious defense in the middle games), I am sure he would have given Mike a run for his money in the Finals MVP Race. What a fitting end to the Chicago Dynasty that would have been, a final "Up Yours" to the Bulls management who have pretty much taken advantage of Scottie throughout his term with the Bulls.
Scottie Pippen to one side, Game Six was all Michael Jordan. The Finals is where a true star shines. Possibly the greatest athlete in the last 20 years, Michael Jordan scored 45 points in what might possibly be his last game in a Bulls uniform, or at all. Personally, I am betting on the latter. Throughout the season and finals, rumors have been consistently pounding the Chicago Bulls team concerning how long Michael will stick around. The question was still there on the podium when Amahd(???) Rashad was presenting the trophies, and I am sure it will be out there for a while to come.
The people concerned have been side-stepping the questions ever since they arose, saying that they are "concentrating on the season" and then "concentrating on the Finals", and then it was celebrating. I'm not expecting the decision to be made any time soon, as the main catalyst to the decision, Phil Jackson, has cleaned out his desk and is headed for an "extended vacation", where I don't think he will be answering any questions, that is, if anyone can find him.
Lets take a look at the puzzle pieces, the main players whose contracts are up. Michael Jordan (another US$40 million) and Scottie Pippen (deserves at least US$10 million) as well as Toni Kukoc, Dennis Rodman (both contributed big time in the Finals), Luc Longley (had a disappointing Finals series against Malone but was great before that) and Phil Jackson (the key).
Jordan has publicly stated that he won't play unless Scottie and Phil are there, but does the Chicago management want to cough-up what Scottie deserves, and will be asking for? Also, Jackson's agent, Todd Musburger has been quoted as saying, "It appears to me, from where I sit, that it is most likely that Phil will not return. Is it an absolute certainty? No, I don't suppose it's an absolute certainty."
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