Scottie Pippen Defends Derrick Rose, Predicts He'll Be Bigger, Better

Scottie Pippen says Derrick Rose did not deserve the criticism he received this season and, despite being cleared by doctors, was within his right to sit out the entire year rehabbing his torn ACL.

“I was kind of surprised people turned on him knowing the difficulty of Derrick’s injury,” Pippen told ESPN. “No one can justify what he’s going through. No one can make his decision as to when to get back on the basketball court.”

As someone who played the game, the Hall of Fame forward added there’s a difference between being medically cleared to compete and being ready to perform at league standards.

“I've had numerous surgeries, and the doctors released me at numerous times to go and play,” Pippen added. “But a lot of those times didn't mean go and play against the best in the world right now, but to get yourself ready. The doctor can tell you the headache is gone, but he don't totally know that it is gone unless he can get in your head."

Like most Bulls fans, Pippen says he was elated to hear Coach Tom Thibodeau rave about Rose’s explosiveness and athleticism during a recent workout.

"I don't have any doubt," Pippen said. "Derrick is a very determined, hard-working player, so I don't have any doubt he will be back bigger and better as ever."

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