Pippen: Let me play again
The 41-year-old former Bulls forward said Thursday that he wants to end his three-year retirement and resume his basketball career.
''The time off has given my body a chance to heal,'' said Pippen, who hasn't played since he was placed on the injured list Feb. 12, 2004, because of a bad left knee that forced him to retire officially on Oct. 5 that year. ''I'm in good shape, I'm getting in better shape as I continue working out five days a week, my knee is good, and I feel I can play as much as 20 minutes a game off the bench.''
Pippen was speaking from Las Vegas, where he will represent the Bulls in the Shooting Stars contest during NBA All-Star activities Saturday night. Bulls guard Ben Gordon and Candice Dupree of the WNBA's Chicago Sky will be Pippen's teammates.
Although Pippen said he would be willing to play for any team after the All-Star break, he would prefer to play for a contender because he believes he has the skills and knowledge to help a team win, as well as help its younger players learn the game.
''I'd eventually like to become an NBA coach and would also welcome a chance to be an assistant,'' Pippen said. ''But I'd like to play first. I feel I still have a year and a half of basketball left in me if I'm put in the right situation. I'd even be willing to sign a 10-day contract. At least that would be a start. I just want a chance to show that I can still help a team.''
A seven-time All-Star, Pippen averaged 16.1 points, 6.4 assists and 5.2 rebounds in his 17-year career and was voted one of the 50 greatest players of all time. He has worked as an analyst for ESPN's NBA telecasts since retiring.
''I think I can really help teams like Miami and Cleveland,'' Pippen said. ''Detroit is a contender, too, but they are overstocked and probably have no place for a guy like me.
''I'm not going to be a nonstop high-flyer like I was in my prime. But I can still run. I can still dunk. But most of all, I know the game.''