Coach Pippen?

by Marcel Mutoni

Former NBA players entering the coaching ranks is nothing new. Some have thrived (Phil Jackson, Avery Johnson); some have crashed and burned (NY-era Isiah Thomas, Scott Skiles).

Former Bulls great Scottie Pippen doesn’t see why he couldn’t be the Bulls’ next head coach. And it’s not just the New Year’s eve bubbly talking either; Scottie is dead serious about this:

“What’s my disadvantage?” Pippen asked. “No NBA coaching experience? [Scott] Skiles’ record with the Bulls wasn’t that great. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to do what you’ve done your whole life. I’ve played basketball, run teams and won.

“What experience do you need? You have assistants who have been there. If I made a mistake, I wouldn’t be the first coach to make a mistake. I’d love the opportunity to be part of the organization now that Skiles is gone. I’ve won championships with this organization and been in the competition when everything was on the line. I was a coach on the floor. Why isn’t that experience?”

Though Pip glibly makes coaching sound as simple as a stroll through the park, he does make some good points.

There’s absolutely no reason a guy like him – someone who’s been through every conceivable NBA war, and a guy players would have no choice but to respect – shouldn’t get a shot at a coaching gig. Hell, it’d better than bringing in Larry Brown.