Chris Sheridan talked to Pippen (Insider) and Sheridan's vast network of contacts and handicaps Pippen's most likely destinations (the Lakers, Spurs, Mavericks, Spurs, Heat, Bulls, and Clippers are discussed). The Lakers make a lot of sense, although Sheridan has sources saying the Spurs and Cavaliers have called Pippen's people. Also, Pippen doesn't sound super-ready. He hasn't played five on five in ages, which makes me think he must have some lingering health concerns. Why not play basketball if you're a fully healthy Scottie Pippen preparing for a comeback?

Then David Thorpe talks in detail (also Insider) about how teams will likely evaluate Pippen. One of the most important things is to ask him why he wants to come back. Thorpe makes an interesting point:

The player's motivation should help the team decide whether he is a good fit.

As we learned in recent days about Pippen's financial setbacks, said to be perhaps $27 million in poor investments, folks around the NBA started putting two and two together. So that's why he's coming back, huh?

Let's imagine for a second that Pippen has a motive other than money. This would not necessarily be good news.

If his reason for returning were that he misses the game, or that he enjoys being with teammates, or that he wants to work his way into coaching, or even that he wants to help a team win, that might not be what a team would want to hear.

That's because the financial motive might, especially in a case like Pippen's, be more compelling than the "love of the game" type of motive.

Without a strong financial motive, a team would need to worry about just what would keep Pippen invested in the team. For such a case, look at Doug Christie, who just walked away from the Los Angeles Clippers because he wasn't enjoying his role.

Then there is, of course, much talk from Thorpe about the various drills team will likely use and what they will be looking for.

Thorpe also points out that measuring and weighing Pippen will be an important step--not so much because anyone cares how long or heavy he is, but because it's a chance for team executives to look him over. Give his body "the eye test."

Thorpe writes: "GMs and coaches trust their eyes, and if Pippen looks the part just standing still, he will have gone a long way toward making the team."