With the start of training camp one week away, Chuck Swirsky says Vinny Del Negro and his staff are ready to go
Chuck Checks In: Chicago | September 22, 2008
“It’s a great honor,” Hinrich said of having his Kansas jersey retired. “To have my jersey up in [Allen Fieldhouse] – a place that means so much to me – it’s an amazing feeling.”
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Chuck Checks In: Chicago Archive
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Posted by Chuck Swirsky | 09.22.08 | 4:55 p.m. CT
Team chairman Jerry Reinsdorf says he expects Ben Gordon to be back with the Bulls this year. That's good enough for me.
Regardless of the business side of things, and no, I am not passing this off lightly because of the short and long term effect this will have on the Bulls and Gordon respectively, BUT, once things are settled contractually, Gordon needs to look ahead, not behind.
Ben must play for the Bulls, NOT for his next contract. I think he will. He is an intelligent man who knows he's auditioning for 29 other clubs in the NBA in addition to the Bulls.
I stopped by the Berto Center this past week and ran in to Vinny Del Negro and his assistants, Bernie Bickerstaff and Mike Wilhelm. They're fired up and ready to roll.
Congrats to Kirk Hinrich. His #10 jersey at Kansas will be retired this year.
NBA thoughts:
Who is running the Memphis Grizzlies? Does anyone care? It's apparent the Knicks can't give Zach Randolph away unless they sweeten the pot. One moment, the Grizz are ready to acquire the former Michigan State star; now the deal is supposedly dead.
Another thought… it's driving me crazy to read about the off season of 2010. You owe it to your fan base to win. I'm sure the Knicks feel they're going to get one major stud but what happens if Bosh, Wade, LeBron all resign with their respective teams who can pay the most? Then what?
Josh Howard hasn't exactly had the best offseason has he? What is he thinking? I'm expecting a blog any day now. "The Adventures of Josh Howard."
The reason I flat out love David Stern is that he doesn't run the NBA like a democracy. When he needs to clean it up he gets it done. Case in point: Michael Beasley.
Want cheap Sonics merchandise? It's 90%--that's right NINETY percent off at Key Arena. Save some vintage Jack Sikma stuff for me.
Long time Cavs voice Joe Tait is headed to the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame. Couldn't happen to a better man or broadcaster.
A good week for the city of Miami. The Dolphins ripped the Patriots and the founding fathers blew up the old arena!
Our best goes out to long time PR man John Lashway who began his NBA career three decades ago with Portland and carried his outstanding skills to Toronto the past fourteen years. He recently announced he's stepping down. He will be missed.
Other thoughts:
Got to love what the Yankees did last night closing out the Stadium. The presentation was spectacular.
Congrats to the Cubs for the winning the NL Central, but that's not good enough anymore...they need to reach the World Series.
I'd love to be in Minnesota for the Twins-Sox series.
I hope people appreciate what the Tampa Bay Rays accomplished this season regardless of what happens in the playoffs.
If I needed one pitcher to win a game seven it might be Roy Halladay.
Gary Sheffield has Hall of Fame credentials, but his anger issues might affect the way voters look at him for Cooperstown.
I think every baseball player should hear Bob Sheppard announce his name at least once.
How the Orioles could extend Dave Trembley's contract is beyond me.
Did Brandon Lloyd have a great game or was Ronde Barber THAT bad?
The NFL office needs to take a long, hard look at the officials’ judgment in OT when they called an unsportsmanlike penalty on Charles Tillman.
Regardless of the officials, the Bears should be 3-0. No excuses, but their offensive play calling at critical moments is suspect.
I love the Big 10, but the SEC is a power conference like no other. That LSU-Auburn game was terrific. Vandy is now a top 25 team. Tennessee is in the rear view mirror, and no, Peyton Manning ain't coming back!
Still not drinking the Kool-Aid on Notre Dame. Michigan State is better than advertised, but if ND really believes they've turned the corner they need to find a way to win that game.
Caught my Ohio U. Bobcats Saturday at Northwestern. The Cats are just two wins away from being bowl eligible. Not sure what that means. We'll see how they do in Big 10 action.
Be honest. How many of you watched the Ryder Cup or had interest in the Ryder Cup without Tiger Woods?
CCI has gone global big time. E-mails from Kandahar, Wales, Germany, Brazil, Canada, Montana and yes, right here in Chicago! Thank you and you are appreciated. Keep those e-mails coming in!
From Landry Kayembe: Hope you are doing great in the Windy City… we will definitely miss you in Toronto. Mama won’t be able to get out the salami & cheese anymore ‘coz they will be forever frozen! Quick question… we are now seeing a turnaround in US politics. Do you see the NBA having a female GM anytime soon? And if you could predict, who has ‘the best’ shot at becoming the first female GM in the NBA and why would you think she would have a shot? Do you foresee any ‘issues’ with players or subordinates in which sexism could prevent that from happening?
Chuck: Landy, I think it will happen. More women are getting involved in upper management in pro sports and I see no reason why a female can't run an NBA team. It requires intelligence, basketball smarts, business and people skills. Oh, one other thing, a tip to all senior executives from the Swirsk—hire people who are smarter than you are or who have strengths that you don't possess. The sign of a good manager is to surround himself/herself with the best people because when the company wins, you win. Everyone wins.
Another reader e-mail: With the season slowly but surely coming up. three things to focus on:
1. Where's Omer Asik? The Bulls DID sign this guy.
2. Will the Bulls give Gordon what he wants or trade him and for who?
3. What elite point guard will the Bulls sign? They don't need any more rookies.
Chuck: Asik suffered a knee injury but should be able to resume his career this season. He has NOT signed with the Bulls, but Chicago retains his rights. He is a banger and a number of NBA people are high on him. He could be a sleeper. I don't see the Bulls signing a free agent at this point. Nothing of significance is on the market. My gut tells me BG will sign the one-year qualifying offer, making him an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.
From Jasmin Colic: I am a huge Bulls/Bears fan and love reading your writing. It helps me kill some time while I’m not busy. I am a sophomore at the University of Illinois at Chicago and I was just wondering what major I should choose if I wanted to go be an announcer or work behind the scenes at a TV station.
Chuck: Jasmin, take journalism along with radio-TV courses. Drama and public speaking will be helpful as well. The more practical experience you can acquire the better you'll be. Make yourself available to the student radio station or the school newspaper. The more you can do, the better!
From e-mailer André: Hello Chuck, the CCI Chicago is a very good addition to the Bulls web site. I'm from Germany and want to know how I can get autographs from the players. And there isn't a possibility to come to Chicago in the near future. ;)
Chuck: Andre, this is a most difficult question to answer. Every player has their own view of signing autographs. Some players enjoy it and love interacting with the fans. Other players pick and choose their spots to sign cards, memorabilia, etc. Others reluctantly sign. I can't give you a standard answer. I think it's an honor and a privilege to be asked by a fan for an autograph. It's a compliment. Your best bet is to write the player care of the Chicago Bulls, 1901 West Madison Street, Chicago, IL 60612-2459.
From Jo Morrison of Bloomington, IL: Good morning, Chuck. Here's another Ben Gordon e-mail! Seems he thinks he is worth sooooooo much, but yet I don't see any other teams knocking our door down. Saw a rumor the other day about Gordon/Hughes/Noah for Marion/Banks. What about Gordon/Hughes/draft pick for just Marion? His salary expires end of next year, we need a veteran, especially one with Marion's talent. He's been an All-Star, he gets how to play with a fabulous point guard, can create his own game, another rebounder/defender who can score AND make free throws, etc. Gordon will not be a happy Bull and with the crowded back court, he'll be even more disgruntled when he doesn't get to start and play every minute. Yes, he's a professional and will want to up his value when he becomes unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, but what's to say anyone would be interested then? They're not now. I WANT SHAWN MARION!
Chuck: I am not an "insider," so it would be foolish on my part to speculate what was discussed between the two teams. Miami wants to win now and I think they're prepared to sacrifice Marion's $17 million expiring contract if the right package crosses Pat Riley's desk. The Heat need to keep Dwyane Wade happy. Winning cures everything.
Another reader e-mail: Hey Chuck, HUGE Bulls fan from Wales in the UK, just wanna get your take on Deng playing with Team GB and whether you think they'll make the Olympics in 2012?
Chuck: I think it's great that the UK can showcase it's beautiful country to the world in 2012 and I'm hoping GB makes the Olympics. Luol Deng is a terrific talent and I'm pleased he's representing his county. It's an honor to do so.
Another reader e-mail: Wish you the best of luck in Chicago. We will miss you in Toronto. This is a funny story to me. LeBron probably roots for these two teams for the same reason as millions of other 20-30 year olds. When he grew up, the Yankees were a great team as was the Cowboys. Both teams got and still get major national coverage and are on primetime television. The media blows this way out of proportion and Cleveland fans seem insecure of the future. Just my take...
Chuck: LeBron can support any team he wants. People need to relax. Cleveland fans should be concerned about their Cavs and hope James stays healthy!
Another reader e-mail: Chuck, I am from Brazil, please sorry my terrible English! What do you expected from Larry Hughes? He could be great player again? For the Bulls guards, Rose and Hughes? Rose and Hinrich? Hinrich and Hughes?
Chuck: You're right. A lot of guards and a lot of competition. Welcome to the NBA. Hughes and Hinrich are coming off disappointing seasons and I expect both to have better years this season.
From e-mailer Mario: Chuck, as promised, I am now in Kandahar. God it is dusty here. We will think of you all. The trip was extremely long. Will talk to you later, as morning will come very fast.
Chuck: Mario, we appreciate everything you and the rest of the men and women do serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. Stay safe and keep us up to date how you're doing.
From Mitch in Chicago: Dear Chuck, here is my response to the CCI Question of the Week (Should it matter that James is a Cowboy/Yankee fan? Is he disrespecting the Indians and Browns?) No, he is not disrespecting the Browns and Indians. These are assumptions. I won't believe what I hear about LeBron until he says it himself. He was talking to T. O. because he likes the guy, it doesn't mean he is a Cowboys fan. Since when are players not allowed to talk to players from other teams, not to mention playing a different sport?! As for the Yankees hat, if I counted every single person with a Yankees hat I can promise you that they aren't all fans of the New York baseball team. It's a fashion trend. We need to get over this.
Chuck: I agree Mitch. People need to chill. It would be great to see LeBron get behind the Indians and Browns but just turn the page and move on.
Sam from NYC: Chuck, can't wait to see the Bulls at MSG. What's your take on the Knicks?
Chuck: I am a big Donnie Walsh fan and Mike D'Antoni is a very good coach. That's a good start but they have a lot of work to do. If they can find a team—any team—to take Randolph or Curry, that will be beneficial. I expect them to be better but certainly not a playoff team. Speaking of New York, our broadcast crew is off to NBA meetings and it will be good to catch up with my fellow announcers.
E-mail me your thoughts and questions on the Bulls/NBA at cswirsky@bulls.com.
Always a pleasure.
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