Right as I was enjoying the All-Star gala last weekend, I noticed a familiar face surface in Las Vegas. It was Scottie Pippen! The prime-time former Chicago Bulls star forward, Michael Jordan's swing man. I thought oh, he's just coming out to catch the All-Star game...but wait he was talking about playing in the NBA again, THIS YEAR! I couldn't believe what my ears were hearing...what the hell is he thinking? He been retired for over 3 years. Why the sudden change of heart? This now makes two Chicago sports stars who are making comebacks.
From the get-go Pippen made his point clear: he wants to play for a contender and win a championship, but not if he has travel too far away from home. He's considering the Miami Heat as his top choice. Other teams out west will try to pursue him. He could be a big factor on a team like the Houston Rockets. With McGrady and Yao healthy they're going to be one of the top contenders in the league. I don't think Pippen will get the minutes he probably desires when he does eventually sign with a new team.
Considering he's in his 40s now I'm wondering what kind of physical condition he's in to play. Since he's not fat, running up and down the court shouldn't pose a problem of fatigue. Cherry Picking wasn't a tactic Pippen was ever guilty of in his prime years, although he may not have the energy to drive to the basket often and rely more on set jumpers. Besides collapsing at the end of the bench with a bad hip I don't think his new team will have anything to worry about. The only difference fans will notice is the older Scottie will be sitting on the bench, drinking Gatorade with muscle-relaxing pills and occasionally dozing off. Good luck with the season Scottie...whenever you return.
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