CHICAGO, United States (AFP) - Scottie Pippen, one of the members of the legendary Chicago Bulls team which scooped six NBA titles in the 1990s, announced his retirement.
The 39-year-old, who played with Michael Jordan on the team which was triumphant from 1991-1993 and 1996-1998, called it quits just as the Bulls were about to start their opening practice session for the new season.
"This was a very difficult decision for me to retire from playing a game that has been such a great part of my life," said Pippen.
"My family and I would like to thank the fans and the entire Chicago Bulls organization, especially (owner) Jerry Reinsdorf and (general manager) John Paxson, for bringing me back to where I started.
"I am retiring, but I still plan on being around for training camp to help this team. After 17 years, it's tough for me to just walk away completely."
Pippen had returned to Chicago last year but played in just 23 matches and had to undergo surgery on his knee.
Pippen spent 11 years with the Bulls but was traded to the Houston Rockets in 1998 and then moved to the Portland Trail Blazers where he spent an injury-hit four seasons.
He played in 1,178 games and averaged 16.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.96 steals. He was also named among the NBA's 50 Greatest Players of all-time in 1996.
His 208 career playoff appearances rank second in NBA history behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's 237.
Pippen led his teams to post-season appearances in each of his first 16 seasons and compiled NBA Playoff averages of 17.5 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 5.2 apg and 1.96 spg in 208 games.