Pippen Expected to Recover Fully After Surgery

Scottie Pippen, who helped the Chicago Bulls win their sixth NBA title last month, underwent back surgery at a Chicago hospital this week, a procedure his doctor said is not career-threatening.

Dr. Michael Schafer, chairman of Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s department of orthopedic surgery, performed the back operation Monday.

He performed similar surgery on Pippen in 1988.

“I was very pleased with the surgery. The operation was successful, and I expect Mr. Pippen will have no trouble in resuming his career,” Schafer said in a statement Tuesday from Pippen’s agent, Jimmy Sexton.

Pippen, a free agent, expects a rapid and full recovery without an effect on his playing career, the statement said.

Pippen, who was not available for comment, also consulted with Dr. Robert G. Watkins, a specialist in Los Angeles.

Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said he did not know about Pippen’s operation. During the NBA lockout, he is not permitted to talk with players.

“I’m not allowed to comment. He’s not a member of our team. He’s a free agent,” Reinsdorf said.

Pippen, 32, hurt his back in the NBA finals after being knocked to the floor several times while drawing charges.

He received a cortisone injection before Game 6 and was severely limited as the Bulls defeated the Utah Jazz to claim their sixth title of the 1990s.

When all non-operative alternatives were exhausted, Schaefer and Pippen made the decision to operate.

While recovering from foot surgery last November, Pippen stunned the Bulls by saying he preferred a trade and didn’t want to play for the team again.

After sitting out the first 35 games, he backed off, but his unhappiness with team management, especially General Manager Jerry Krause, didn’t diminish. He was angry about a long-term contract that paid him below market value and also miffed that he had been on the trade block last summer. Pippen made $2.7 million last season.