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The NBA held its annual draft Thursday night (June 27). The Chicago Bulls took forward Tony Snell from New Mexico with their first-round pick (No. 20 overall); they took Florida forward Erik Murphy in the second round (No. 49 overall). Pretty exciting, yes? OK, maybe not. Maybe not yet. Maybe not ever. That is the nature of the inexact science of drafts — basketball, baseball, football and otherwise. It would be wise to wait a few years before declaring whether the Bulls or any other team had a good or bad draft.
Looking for a Bulls-themed photo, we came across these of model Stephy C.
* Speaking of the NBA draft, the 2013 event was the last for commissioner David Stern, who will retire in February. The crowd at Brooklyn’s Barclay Center — site of the draft — paid homage to Stern by booing him each time he announced a first-round selection. Well, until the last pick of the round. That’s when the fans in the stands cheered, applauded and give Stern a standing ovation. It’s unclear when the last time was that a pro sports league’s commissioner received a standing ovation? Other than perhaps from team owners at the end of a labor negotiation.
* Speaking of standing, some of us were hoping that at least one team was going to draft a player shorter than Stern. Guess that would have been a tall order, considering Stern is 5-7.
* Given the fact that Stern does display a sense of humor, it was disappointing that he didn’t make at least on draft-pick announcement on a stepladder.
* Now that the draft is over, perhaps once the 2013-14 season starts, Stern will make a farewell tour so fans in each NBA city can boo him. But seriously, folks, he has been a fairly successful commissioner. And probably the only one of his contemporary commissioner buddies who might be able to work as an opening comedy act in a Las Vegas lounge.
A set of five Blackhawks collectible pucks is available from Nikco Sports.
* For the puck enthusiast, Nikco Sports is offering a set of five pucks and acrylic display case featuring all five of the Hawks’ five Stanley Cup champions for $99. The collectible is limited to 2,013 sets. A portion of the proceeds goes to the Make A Wish Foundation of Illinois. To order, persons may call (800) 345-2868 or go to www.nikcosports.com. The pucks feature each Hawks team’s record and that season’s playoff results. The set can be affixed to a wall. A portion of the proceeds of each set sold via this inbound promotion will be donated by Nikco Sports to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois. Those seeking immediate gratification might be disappointed. The company said delivery might take up to six weeks.
* Speaking of hockey, for those disinclined or unable to attend the Blackhawks parade and rally Friday celebrating their Stanley Cup championship, Comcast SportsNet will televise the events beginning at 9 a.m. Central time. There also will be an 11 p.m. rebroadcast. CSNChicago.com will stream the actions as well. At 1 p.m., CSN will air a replay of the Cup-clinching Game 6 Hawks victory against the Boston Bruins. Again there’s a reminder for folks attending the celebration not to bring alcohol or backpacks. It’s unclear whether celebrants will be able to avoid running afoul of the drinking guideline even if they do possess a brand or brands carried by Wirtz Beverage Co.
The photo that accompanies today’s effort is of model Stephy C, whose pictures have been featured around here on more than one occasion (and every time we do use one, it truly is an occasion). As fate — and wandering through Twitter — would have it, she provided a link to a video in which she stars. And here it is (purely for entertainment purposes):
Speaking of (or looking at) enticing images, here we go with our daily dose of non-gratuitous video. Once again thank you to the excellent efforts of the editorial and video departments at elliottharris.com (and the fact that they do not know the meaning of the word “gratuitous,” along with many other words). Thank you also to the fine folks at Sports Illustrated who have provided many videos of SI’s all-time top swimsuit models — with more to come another day:
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