NBA legend Scottie Pippen’s message to Aussie young gun Josh Giddey after controversy

Six time NBA champion Scottie Pippen says Aussie rising star Josh Giddey received a “wake up call” after he was cleared of any wrongdoingover an alleged relationship with an underage girl.

Basketball legend Scottie Pippen has delivered a “wake up call” to rising Aussie hoops star Josh Giddey following an off court controversy that threatened to destroy his NBA career.

Chicago Bulls icon Pippen, who played alongside Michael Jordan in six championships, said Melbourne born and bred Giddey had the potential to be a tremendous player in the NBA – the US league known for its glitz, glamour and multi million dollar pay checks.

“I think he has a bright future ahead of him,” he said.

Josh Giddey is one of Australia’s brightest basketball prospects. Picture: Mike Mulholland/Getty Images

But, in an exclusive interview with the Herald Sun, Hall of Famer Pippen said Giddey needed to learn a lesson after being cleared of any wrongdoing for an alleged relationship with an underage girl.

“I definitely feel that sometimes we get a wake up call and I think that what happened to him was very unfortunate,” he said.

“I’m glad that it was able to be resolved and didn’t stay in our game or damage him as a player.

“And hopefully it’s something that as an individual he can put behind him.”

Josh Giddey in action for Oklahoma City Thunder. Picture:Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images

While he rated Yarraville’s Giddey, who he said was “still learning, still growing, still a fairly young player when it comes to maturity and experience”, Pippen was not as kind about Melbourne born, former number one NBA draft pick Ben Simmons who is struggling to meet expectations at the Brooklyn Nets.

“He (Giddey) is on the court a lot more than we can say about Ben Simmons,” he said.

“You know, I don’t know what’s going on with that young man.”

Pippen on Saturday stepped onto a makeshift trackside court at Caulfield Racecourse with championship teammate Horace Grant, for a fun activation organised by the course’s new major sponsor Sportsbet.

Ben Simmons has struggled to meet lofty expectations since being drafted at pick one in 2016. Picture: Sarah Stier / Getty Images via AFP

After playing in sports mad Chicago, the top 50 rated player of all time was impressed with Melbourne’s ability to muster a major events masterclass as diverse as Taylor Swift, the Australian Open or Formula One Grand Prix.

“It makes you love this city even more, just knowing that you guys got the Formula One here in a few weeks,” he said.

“It’s just a city for excitement, entertainment and joy.

“Melbourne is a special place.

“I kind of like it better than Sydney.”

The seven time NBA all star said the time was right to play a historic first NBA game on Australian soil.

“I would love to see the game come over here,” he said.

“These are definitely some of the brightest and most knowledgeable fans in the game and it would be great to have the NBA come over here and align their talent to play here because the fan base and talent is amazing.”

NBA great Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant appeared at Caulfield racecourse at a SportsBet event. Picture: Jason Edwards

NBA great Scottie pippen signs autographs at a SportsBet event Picture: Jason Edwards

Despite recent bad beef with his iconic former teammate Jordan, he admitted the six time NBA MVP was in rare air.

“Playing alongside Michael Jordan in practice every day was my greatest challenge,” he said.

“We’ve had some great players and Michael is one of them.”

And though the Bulls’ red and black colours would have made Essendon an obvious AFL team for him to root for, Pippen said Carlton’s shameless advances to put his famous number 33 on the back of a Blues guernsey had won him over.

“They definitely set a standard and will be hard to beat,” he said.

“I’ll cheer for them now.”

Scottie Pippen won six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls AP Photo/Michael S. Green. a/ct. /basketball

His advice to kids trying to follow in his size 16 footsteps was simple.

“ I would say believe in your dreams and work hard to achieve them,” he said.

“Don’t give up, even though there may be some dark days.

“If you pay yourself and challenge yourself you can achieve anything.”