Four Questions (of the Basketball Variety)

April 15, 2014 @ admin → No Comments

Why is this night different from all other nights? Well, for starters, Jimmer Fredette had considerable playing time in the Chicago Bulls’ 108-95 victory over the Orlando Magic at the United Center.

Snow kidding: Adriana Lima is always welcome around here.

Monday was the first night of Passover (which is where the “Why is this night … ” line comes from). The traditional seder service features the four questions/answers to why this night is different from all other nights. So it seems only reasonable to ask four questions today.

Back in the 20th century (as well as earlier times), the youngest male would ask the four questions. Which meant for the Passovers of my youth my brother Rob handled those chores quite admirably. Fond memories with more than a touch of sorrow knowing this is the first year he is not around to preside over such proceedings.

Anyway, here are four highly non-religious questions (unless you happen to worship at the altar of sports):

1. Why did Fredette play 31 minutes?

Backup guard D.J. Augustin missed the game because his wife reportedly gave birth to a boy Monday. Fredette scored 17 points on 7-of-14 shooting from the field. Which means he played more minutes and scored more points than he had in seven previous appearances with the Bulls. Once the playoffs start, he likely will be positioned to resume sitting on the bench.

2. Other than Fredette’s performance (which included hitting the basket to give the Bulls 100 points and the fans the ability to cash in for some free fast food), what was most surprising about the Bulls’ victory?

Well, it certainly wasn’t that Orlando lost. The Magic went 4-37 on the road this season. Most surprising about the Bulls’ game was that coach Tom Thibodeau did not have a player on the court with at least 40 minutes. Jimmy Butler, who generally logs more than 40 minutes, played a mere 32. By contrast, Miami Heat star LeBron James sat out the team’s loss Monday to Washington that gave the Indiana Pacers the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. In Thibodeau’s world, a 32-minute game for Butler is the equivalent of a game off. Mike Dunleavy led the Bulls with 39 minutes and 22 points. For what that’s worth.

3. Which player did the Chicago Sky select with its first-round pick in the 2014 WNBA draft and what effect will it have?

Markeisha Gatling. She is a 6-5 center from North Carolina State. She should bring much-needed height and athleticism to the Sky. With Sylvia Fowles set at center, perhaps Gatling can be more than a backup and find a spot in the starting frontcourt. If that’s the plan, then Elena Delle Donne, the league’s 2013 rookie of the year, can slide to small forward. Although if you ask me (and, as usual, no one has), Delle Donne would be most effective at guard where her shooting skill and passing proficiency would benefit the team the most.

“When you watch Markeisha play you can see her ability to post and seal, and really be a physical presence in the paint,” Sky coach/general manager Pokey Chatman. “She can help us set some screens and get some rebounds which is definitely something we need to add to the arsenal.”

The Sky also selected Cal forward Gennifer Brandon and Southern Mississippi point guard Jamierra Faulkner.

“Each of these players brings a new dimension to our roster,” Chatman said. “I’m excited to get them to Chicago and see how they fit them in our system once training camp begins.”

4. What round of the postseason will the Bulls meet the Heat?

The last round — for the Bulls. They still have a shot at the No. 3 seed with one game left (Wednesday at Charlotte). Toronto also has one game left. So who knows which team wants to wind up in the same part of the Eastern Conference bracket in the second round of the playoffs. The possibility exists the Bulls could face Miami in the Eastern Conference finals. The possibility exists the Bulls could face Miami in the second round. Regardless, it seems unlikely the Bulls still would be around after whatever round they face the Heat.

***

Here is where to go for a daily dose of non-gratuitous video (thanks to the exquisite efforts of the editorial and video departments at ElliottHarris.com):