Scottie Pippen Hopes to Coach in NBA

Scottie Pippen  always played the right way, and his nomination earlier this month for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame just accentuates that point.

Alongside Michael Jordan and coach Phil Jackson, they won six NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls in the '90s, dominating the game like no one has ever since.

While Jordan became known as the greatest player in history -- about to buy the Charlotte Bobcats -- and Jackson continues to shine in LA as the NBA's winningest coach, Pippen has faded away almost quietly by comparison, despite being so instrumental in the rise of a dynasty.

Living now in Fort Lauderdale, Pippen, 44, sounded puzzled by his lack of opportunities today within the NBA. He wants to coach in the league, putting to use everything he learned during a 17-year career when he redefined the small forward position.

He was rebuffed by the Bulls two years ago before they hired Vinny Del Negro, and his phone doesn't ring very often, surprising for the greatness he once brought to the game.

He was a seven-time All-Star, a Defensive Player of the Year, and usually the set-up man that allowed Jordan to shine like he did.


Why aren't you coaching today in the NBA?
Scottie Pippen: Jobs in the NBA are difficult to get. I would like to be there one day, but it's a matter of being in the right place at the right time. Right now, I've been focusing on my family. I want my kids growing up in the right environment. That's where I've been the last few years. I expect to get back to the NBA soon.