Judging Bulls Far From Open(er)-and-Shut Case

October 30, 2013 @ admin → No Comments

Midweek musings: Based on their regular-season opening result Tuesday (Oct. 29), the Chicago Bulls might want to hope that preseason victories are some sort of playoff tiebreaker. Not that one game — such as the 107-95 loss to the host Miami Heat — means much. Or anything. Unless, of course, they actually had defeated the two-time defending NBA champions.

Aiyana Cristal covers the Bulls for Comcast SportsNet. She previously covered the Miami Heat. Hope you weren’t expecting a photo of Derrick Rose.

* Speaking of the delusion of beating the Heat in the opener, there would have been some who would have proclaimed such a victory sends a message: The Bulls — as well as guard Derrick Rose – are back to challenge for the NBA title. Meanwhile, back in reality, the message was: The Bulls still don’t know how to handle the Heat’s double-team. And Miami’s LeBron James (17 points, eight assists, six rebounds) still was the best player on the court.

* Although the statistical analysis department around here may not be as sophisticated as some others, the number-crunching crew is fairly certain the Bulls are at a decided disadvantage when Rose has more turnovers than he does field goals in a given game. Which was the case in the opener when he had four field goals (on 4-of-15 shooting) and a game-high five turnovers.

* The stats department also is fairly certain Bulls forward Carlos Boozer will not maintain his 31-point scoring average. Even more certain is forward Luol Deng will average more than 29 minutes a game (and, yes, that low opening-game figure figures to be more a function of foul trouble than restaint by coach Tom Thibodeau).

* If the playoffs started today, the Bulls …. OK, it might be a little premature to start that stuff. Unless, of course, they actually had defeated the defending two-time defending champions.

* Speaking of premature, it might be a little early to declare stardom for Bulls guard Jimmy Butler after starting the season opener by scoring 20 points and recording a team-high five steals in 30 minutes. Bulls fans might want to wait a while. Well, how about after the home opener Thursday against the New York Knicks? Sounds about right.

* Meanwhile, another Jerry Reinsdorf-owned team, the White Sox, had what it hopes will be a better day than the one the Bulls endured. The Sox held a press conference to introduce first baseman Jose Abreu to the media. fans, etc. Word is someone compared the Cuban slugger to former Cincinnati Reds first baseman Tony Perez. Which should encourage Sox fans — provided that the Sox also have players comparable to Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan, Pete Rose, George Foster, Ken Griffey Sr., Cesar Geronimo and Dave Concepcion.

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Remember those recent, delightful self-promotional mentions of “Sports & Torts” that asked folks out there in cyberspace to nominate the interview show co-hosted by David Spada and Elliott Harris on Talkzone.com for a Podcast Award? Well, we did it. Or rather you did it. David and I received news Sunday that — thanks to our supporters in the audience here and on Facebook and Twitter — “Sports & Torts” has made the top 10 final for best sports podcast. So once again — beginning on Friday (Nov. 1) — we are asking once again for your support. All you have to do is go to podcastawards.com. Here is the link. And thank you in advance for your vote or votes. As with any election involving anything Chicago-related, you are encouraged to vote early and often. The main difference between this and an actual Chicago election is multiple votes from a person (presumably still living) is permitted for the Podcast Awards.

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