Report: Brian Scalabrine Still Wants to Play in NBA After Not Getting Invited Back by Chicago Bulls

by Jen Slothower on Tue, Aug 14, 2012 at 12:41PM

Brian Scalabrine has one of the intangibles of sports — the ability to just hang on — in boatloads.

The improbable NBA player has stuck around for 11 seasons, five of them with the Celtics (including the 2008 championship run). Last year, he suited up with the Chicago Bulls, but the team isn't saving a spot for him for 2012.

But Scalabrine, who has established his own cult following and a TV career outside the game, says he doesn't want to be done with basketball just yet.

"I'd be discouraged if I just quit," he said, according to Sam Smith of Bulls.com. "Everyone keeps telling me it's not quitting [to take the TV job]. But I want someone to tell me, 'We don't want you.' I've always been a tough cut to make. I want someone to tell me I'm not good enough. I just want to see what happens."

Scalabrine has been a scrub throughout his NBA career, but that doesn't mean he hasn't contributed or hasn't been on teams that consistently found success. His teams went to the playoffs eight times, and the Finals in four of those appearance. Scalabrine is also a fan favorite, especially in Boston, where he was doing TV work courtside as the Celtics made another run last season.

"You don't measure him in stats," said Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau, the Celtics' defensive guru during Scalabrine's time in Boston. "He knows how to win. He helps you win. To me, he's invaluable with what he brings to a team."

Scalabrine said he's enjoyed being on teams full of great players, rather than picking up playing time with poor clubs.

"I'd rather learn from players better than me, how organizations win, what is important from a winning standpoint," he said. "What good would it do me being on the Wizards last year?"

With Scalabrine's options running out, he may accept an offer from a team like the Wizards this time around. But chances are, some smart contender may take a look at Scalabrine's track record and know he may be their perfect lucky charm for a championship run.