Posts tagged ‘John Paxson’

Alright, I must apologize to the Paxson, Gar, Reinsdorf trio.  Merely moments after I ridiculed Bulls management for their inaction and ineptitude, the three musketeers started making moves.  Not only were the Bulls active in the 24-hours leading up to the trade deadline, they were undoubtedly the most lively and arguably most effective squad in the whole damn league!  Stayed tuned for a trade deadline recap podcast in the very near future . . .

I must admit, the recent bombardment of Chicago Bulls trade rumors is beginning to overwhelm me.  Tyrus, Joakim, Gooden, Hughes, Thabo, Luol, Noch, virtually the entire team—minus Derrick Rose of course—seems to be on the market.  I’ve been refreshing ESPN like a maniac searching for Bulls updates.  Moments ago I learned from super-sleuth John Hollinger and his team of spies that the Bulls might be considering the possibility of pursuing a trade sending Captain Kirk Hinrich for unknown players on an unknown team.  Hollinger writes: 

“I’m hearing for the first time discussion of the Bulls moving Kirk Hinrich, though the destination is still unknown – ‘not Portland,’ my spy says.  Such a deal makes great sense for the Bulls but it’s hard to know who would find his contract palatable in these times.”

What is he talking about?  What “deal” makes great sense?  I wonder if this ever so vague little tidbit of “inside information” is enough to make Kirk-worshipper Nick form a few beads of sweat.

My guess, absolutely nothing will happen.  I know, it’s devastatingly unfortunate.  I believe Pax, the Great Gar Forman, and JR foolishly put all of their eggs in the Amar’e basket (the deal was so utterly illogical from the Suns perspective that it was never realistically going to go down—see: Kobe for Luol Deng).  Now, with less than 24-hours before the deadline, the Bulls brass is in panic mode aimlessly searching for another deal . . . hence, Kirk for (fill in the blank) on (fill in the blank) is newsworthy.

It has been almost a week since KG uncontrollably roared like an “I Am Legend” alpha male zombie into Michele Tafoya’s post-game microphone. The Boston Celtics capped an historic turnaround season by hoisting the trophy. They shattered the NBA record for best single-season turnaround, catapulting from 24 wins one year to 66 wins the next, a 42-game swing.

So, am I, a die-hard fan of a pathetic Bulls team that won 16 FEWER games than the season prior, a bit envious of the Celtic’s historic rise? No. Actually, just the opposite…I’m relieved NOT to be a part of it! You see, it is no mystery how the Celts elevated from forgotten bottom-dweller to SportsCenter darling…they bought it.

Alright, maybe technically-speaking they didn’t “buy it,” but it certainly feels that way. Garnett and Allen, two-thirds of the “Big Three,” were added this season via Blockbuster Trade and P.J. Brown, Sam Cassell, Eddie House, and James Posey were all signed this season for this specific title run. Sure, you can defend the acquisitions by crediting Danny Ainge as a masterful GM, but that is the same logic New Yorkers use to defend the world series rings purchased by the free-spending Yankees.

Call me crazy, old-fashioned, or naïve, but I’m glad Paxson did not sell our homegrown players for all-stars like K.G., Kobe, or Gasol. Doing so would be pretty much equivalent to Rhys Ifans, the potbellied, snaggle-toothed Welsh actor, undergoing full-body cosmetic surgery in a quest to knock Matt Damon off the “People’s Sexiest Man” throne. (Ifans is pictured here prancing around half-naked in the film Notting Hill. Unsightly.)

You see, as diehard Bulls fans, we don’t merely root for red jerseys; we become invested in and cheer for the players themselves. I’m proud that Deng, Noah, Hinrich, Gordon, Thabo, Nocioni, and (soon) Rose are all homegrown drafted Bulls. They may need a tuck or a lift here and there, but definitely not an extreme makeover. Eventually, when they win their title, Bulls fans will find it infinitely sweeter and more rewarding because we will have watched them grow and persevered with them through the most trying of times.

After all, that Welsh actor, he opted NOT to “purchase” George Clooney-like looks…and now he’s dating Sienna Miller! There is hope Bulls fans.

“Pick number 9 goes to the Charlotte Bobcats”
Wait, who got what? No, really, there’s no way. One-point-seven-percent chances don’t pay off. They just don’t, but we got in the top freaking 3!!!

“The 3rd overall pick goes to the Minnesota Timberwolves.”

Holy Fµ¢¿ing S¶!T !!!!! TOP TWO?!!!

“The 2nd overall selection goes to…. the Miami Heat.”

(passes out briefly)

I was briefly tempted to call this post “do you believe in miracles?,” but realized that Al Michaels may sue me, and well, I don’t like being sued. Frankly, ladies and gentlemen, I’m not sure what to say, as I’m still kinda in shock.

Good shock, of course, but we get the pick of the litter in a STACKED draft class. Now, Pax is under all kinds of pressure to sign somebody, trade somebody (the two are not mutually exclusive), and pick the future stud of the team.

Wow, talk about a to do list.

My preliminary thoughts on what can be accomplished are in tonight’s cast (subtle enough plus for ya?), but I would also love some feedback from the peanut gallery (I don’t think you guys are peanuts, I really just always wanted to use that phrase). So, legume references aside, email me at Nick@bullscast.com with your crazy trade ideas, and I will use them in the next cast after tonight’s. Also, I am going to attempt again to pull off the elusive call in show at least once before the draft- possibly between the 30th and the 8th.

until then kiddies

-Nick

Much is amiss on West Madison this summer, and a few minutes ago the ping pong balls bounced right for John Paxson and the Bulls, who only had a 1.7% chance of getting the first pick. Stay tuned for coverage and commentary by Bullscast host Nick Gorsage, who will soon be joined by a new co-host.

The NBA draft is a little over a month from now, on June 26th in New York City.

Let us know who the Bulls should pick #1!