Bulls unveil bust of Pippen

The Bulls unveiled a new addition to the United Center at halftime of Thursday’s game. A bust of Bulls legend Scottie Pippen will take permanent residence on the 100-level concourse, near Gate 7.

The statue features Pippen in a hands-on-hips pose, wearing a full-color red uniform. The sculpture was done by Julie Rotblatt-Amrany of Highland Park, who was also responsible for the Michael Jordan statue.

“I’m truly honored tonight,” Pippen told the crowd during the unveiling ceremony. “Fans here, you always treated me with respect. I really appreciate all the love, the drive you’ve been able to give me here. I must say, without the push you were able to give me, none of this would be possible. So big thanks to my fans.”

Howard suspended:

Orlando’s Dwight Howard will miss Sunday’s game against the Bulls. He received an automatic suspension after receiving his 18th technical foul of the season on Wednesday against Charlotte.

Howard threw the ball away in disgust after getting called for taking too long to attempt a free throw. By rule, players are suspended for a game after getting 16 technicals, then miss more games with every second technical the rest of the season.

Orlando’s Quentin Richardson will also miss the Bulls game. He was suspended for shoving Charlotte’s Gerald Henderson. The Magic is already locked into the No. 4 playoff seed.

Doc changes vote:

Boston coach Doc Rivers raised some eyebrows a few weeks ago when he suggested Philadelphia’s Doug Collins should be NBA coach of the year.

That pick ignored his former assistant, Tom Thibodeau. Before Thursday’s game, Rivers amended his selection.

“Early on, I thought it was Doug,” Rivers said. “Factor in that (the Bulls) are winning the East … it’s between Tom, Doug and (Portland’s) Nate McMillan. I would be happy if Thibs won it.”

Thibodeau in select group:

By winning on Thursday, Tom Thibodeau moved into third place for most wins by a first-year head coach in NBA history.

Phoenix’s Paul Westphal tops the list with 62 wins in 1992-93. Boston’s Bill Russell is second with 60 in 1966-67. Thibodeau is now tied with Larry Bird (Indiana 1997-98) and Mike Dunleavy (Lakers 1991-92) at 58 wins with four games left to play.

Pacers restrict tickets:

Indiana Pacers playoff tickets went on sale Thursday afternoon, but the team restricted orders to residents of Indiana for the first 72 hours.

The Pacers have wrapped up the No. 8 seed in the East, so this appears to be a ploy to keep Bulls fans out of Conseco Fieldhouse during the first round.

Tickets will be available to everyone on Sunday.

Bull horns:

Celtics coach Doc Rivers said he heard a steady stream of trash talk from Bulls fans when he visited Chicago to watch his son, Austin, play in the McDonald’s All-America Game.

“I’m like, ‘My gosh, Chicago’s awake again,” he said.

… Bulls Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf spoke to Grant Hill’s mom to apologize for the poor behavior by a fan following Tuesday’s game against the Suns.