As millions took to the polls Tuesday for Election Day, six-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen was given the opportunity to play in President Barack Obama's traditional Election Day basketball game.
According to NBA.com, Pippen joined Obama, along with some of the President's closest friends and top advisors, on a basketball court at the Hope Athletic Center on Chicago's West Side, roughly one-mile west of the United Center.
"When he first entered the gym, if you hadn't looked over to see him, you wouldn't have noticed," said Pippen of Obama. "It was surprisingly low key. He just came in and started shaking hands. He's someone who is very easy to approach."
Pippen and Obama were placed on the same team, in addition to former Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias and two others. The game consisted of 12 minute quarters, complete with running shot clocks and officials.
At the conclusion of his day with the President, Pippen left the court impressed with Obama's game.
"He's not an overly aggressive player, but he takes what the defense gives him," said Pippen. "He's got a smooth game. He probably used to be a little more aggressive, but obviously he doesn't want to get hurt.
"I thought the lanes opened up when Michael Jordan used to drive. I used to be like, wow. But when I saw the President drive, I thought they were bringing the whole motorcade through the lane it was so wide."
This Election Day basketball game first began back in 2008 when President Obama played with aides before winning the Iowa caucuses. They became tradition after he lost the New Hampshire primary to Hillary Clinton on a day in which Obama did not play basketball.
Other participants in this year's edition included former Bulls guard Randy Brown, currently the team's Special Assistant to the General Manager, and Education Secretary Arne Duncan.
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