I'm feeling better than I was earlier this offseason. Several reasons: - I had Gasol closer to an age-related decline than it appears is fair. Sometimes I love being wrong. - Most reports I've read don't portray Noah as being on the same injury track as Brandon Roy. Noah seems to be having a positive offseason. If Noah's knee is not degenerative, it's a game-changer. - I've been a fan long enough to know that I shouldn't get excited one way or the other by what players say, but I find myself believing that Jimmy Butler ain't done growing. I think he may get scary good. - From all accounts I've read, Mirotic has stayed right on track to NBA stardom. - Even the normally bloodthirsty NBA and local media seemed to quickly lose interest in the charges against Rose. This seldom happens in today's world when a mega-star is involved. - I loved the fact that Hoiberg spent a ton of time traveling the world relationship-building this summer. I can't help but believe that this will pay dividends. On the negative side, Mike Dunleavy remains the only proven SF on the roster and I still wish he could be slotted as a 15-20mpg guy. Also, no one knows whether Gibson will be ready come opening night. For me, McDermott/Snell remain question marks and Bobby Portis is a good-for-nothin' rookie until proven otherwise. I think ESPN has the Bulls at 50 wins...I'm good with that.
I'm happy to be a Bulls fan right now. Mirotic seems like a safe bet when it comes to him avoiding a sophomore slump. I'm expecting big things from Derrick because everybody is sleeping on him. Gasol is aging like Duncan. And fuck man, do I miss Thibs, not that Fred hasn't been impressive...I don't know, the team feels like a toss up without Tom at the helm. I'm expecting Noah to be healthy.
At the moment I'm not sure what to expect from the upcoming season. Positives: Gasol playing good at the European championships. Mirotic was ok, too. No reported setbacks for Rose or Noah. Hoiberg reaching out to meet his players. Negative: Don't think about...They will come.
I was a Thibodeau fan, but I sure won't miss last season's media circus and I don't think the players will either. Still, nobody, and I mean nobody, can prepare a defensive gameplan like Thibodeau. We'll miss that. As for Hokberg, I have every reason to be optimistic, but until he's proven that e can coach in the league, it remains to be seen.
I'm happy to be a CHICAGO sports fan. Best town in the world once we get the southside bums to move out and find THEIR OWN CITY. (Maybe Minsk. Or Moscow. Adelaide?) The Bulls will do well, it will take time, but they will come together.
Cubs https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Chicago_Cubs Sox: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_White_Sox Bums. Move on, find ya own town. Bums.
Grew up on Clark Street about 2 miles from Wrigley. In the early 60s, me and the boys used to walk to the park, pay the general admission price and sit in the box seats 'cause the Cubs didn't draw flies at the time. This said, I like the Cubs, but have always been a White Sox fan. 2005 was very emotional for me. I want all my Cubs' fan friends to experience that feeling. The season's over for my White Sox. Go Cubs!
