Pippen: Obama's 'Smooth Game' Reminded Me of Jordan

In 2012, NBA legend Scottie Pippen participated in a pick-up basketball game with then-President Barack Obama in Chicago. Pippen recalled the experience fondly, particularly observing Obama's gameplay. He humorously compared the wide-open lanes when Obama drove to the basket to the impact Michael Jordan once had on the court.

Pippen, who was eight years into retirement at the time, joined Obama's team, and they decisively won the game. He described Obama's basketball skills as smooth and unaggressive, noting that the former President likely played more assertively in his younger days to avoid injury.

Another participant, Alexi Giannoulias, revealed that Pippen was not initially on Obama's team. Giannoulias urged Obama to switch Pippen to his squad to ensure victory, a move that led to their team dominating the opposition. The game occurred during Obama's re-election year, a year he won and began his second term as President.