BY MICHAEL GOODPASTER
(FOUR) DAAAAA BULLS
This is the year! The Chicago Bulls have had a few really good seasons since Jordan retired, but they have not gotten to the Finals yet. I think this is the year the Chicago Bulls will make it to the Finals. I’m confident they could win, but if the season ends with them at least making it I’ll feel good about their evolution. Then again, they sorta HAVE to win. Their bench is so amazing that I cannot imagine lesser teams not wanting to pick up a Korver, a Watson, or especially a Taj Gibson to start them. If Rose can shake off his injuries, there is no stopping the Bulls. Even if not, it’s going to be hard for anyone to touch this team. Miami has the “Big 3”. Chicago has the “big 12”.
(THREE) THE END OF THIS WEIRD SEASON
This shortened season will finally be over. The schedule has been “rough on the players” and there has just been so much “stress” this year. This is really the year that I’ve come to terms that the NBA has gone soft. The rules make playing defense impossible and the refs cater to the league’s bigger names in almost all cases. I also think there is something “fishy” going on. Just how many All-Stars spent extended time on the bench nursing injuries this year? It’s like they’re STILL trying to stick it to the owners. It just hurts the fans. I always go back to thinking about that one little kid who only gets to go to one game a year, if that. They get there and realize their favorite player isn’t playing that night because their “legs are sore”. I hope the tens of millions of dollars aren’t too heavy…
(TWO) BEWARE OF THE DARKHORSES
Being a Bulls fan, I’m of New York and Indiana on the East. On the West, it’s weird. Thunder is a dominate team, but I still feel like the Lakers or a Dallas could easily take them down. It’s those older teams like Lakers, Dallas, or even San Antonio that are always threats. To me, Thunder is a dark horse… but STILL a number one team. I’d like to see them get to the Finals, but it’s iffy.
(ONE) MORE PHYSICAL
There seems to have been way more technical fouls called in the last few weeks of the season than I can remember in a long time. Tension is building, rivalries are getting hated, and emotion and aggression is FINALLY coming out the NBA players. There will be some casualties along the way, but so be it. This PC, hugs and kisses NBA has to go. I’m tired of All Star Weekend looking like a big frat party. I’m not saying I want anyone to get hurt, but some team pride and some balls wouldn’t hurt. You’re all aiming for the same thing. Fight for it! Has the pay check officially become more important than the ring?
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