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Scottie Pippen and Vince Carter pairing would’ve led Toronto Raptors to 1999 Finals Run

ByAlexandro Fidanza|
CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 07: NBA player Vince Carter looks on before Game 3 of the 2017 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on June 7, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 07: NBA player Vince Carter looks on before Game 3 of the 2017 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on June 7, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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SALT LAKE CITY, UNITED STATES: Scottie Pippen of the Chicago Bulls answer questions 10 June at a press conference before afternoon workouts in preparation for game five of the 1997 NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz to be held at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah 11 June. The series is tied at 2-2. (ELECTRONIC IMAGE) AFP PHOTO/JEFF HAYNES (Photo credit should read JEFF HAYNES/AFP via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UNITED STATES: Scottie Pippen of the Chicago Bulls answer questions 10 June at a press conference before afternoon workouts in preparation for game five of the 1997 NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz to be held at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah 11 June. The series is tied at 2-2. (ELECTRONIC IMAGE) AFP PHOTO/JEFF HAYNES (Photo credit should read JEFF HAYNES/AFP via Getty Images)

June 25, 1997: The Tracy McGrady for Scottie Pippen trade happens

Pippen gets his surgery early and is ready to join the other “Star” Damon Stoudamire. They finish last place in the Eastern Conference with Pippen battling injuries the whole season. Damon Stoudamire, 1995-1996 Rookie of the year, was reportedly unhappy throughout the season and was demanding a trade. The Raptors weren’t fully ready yet to pull the plug, and they truly believed that with a healthy Scottie Pippen and a top draft pick that they could form a winning team. Pippen agreed to play one more year and wanted to sign elsewhere no matter what happens in the upcoming season (kind of like Kawhi Leonard).

Meanwhile, the Chicago Bulls don’t end up 3 peating, leaving Michael Jordan’s finals record at 5-1. McGrady had a decent season, but by no means does he replace Scottie Pippen’s presence. This means Karl Malone delivers on Sunday and the Utah Jazz claim their first championship ever

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