NBA Will Allow Replacements for Orlando Opt Outs, Earlier Restart Date, Rose Reunion, and Other Bulls Bullets

I need to make a small computer-sized umbrella so I can work outside in the sun without melting my computer. If anyone is looking to go into business, let me know.

•   Shhhhh. Do you hear that? Listen closely … and you’ll hear Adam Silver hiccup. Yesterday, the NBA hit their first bump on the road to Orlando. While I think it’s fair to say we all expected some hiccups along the way, the timing of the current problem is a bit surprising. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that several dozen players are expressing some hesitation to participating in the Orlando bubble … despite the NBA Board of Governors and NBPA already passing (in principle) the proposed 22-team plan. According to Woj, the concerns are in regard to a number of issues, but many are centered around the restrictive nature of the bubble environment. I guess some players are just now realizing what this process would entail, which is a pretty long disconnect from the outside world. Apparently, some players not on easy title-contenders are debating whether or not participation is even worth it. And while I totally understand all of this, why wasn’t this discussed prior to the league making (basically) a formal announcement?

•   Anyway, an actual restart isn’t (yet) in jeopardy, but the league will have to come up with a plan to satisfy these hesitant players. With that in mind, the NBPA and NBA are discussing a provision that would allow players to skip the Orlando bubble with no major punishment. Then, any team with a player who decides to stay home will likely be able to add a substitute player.

Sources: Players deciding against participating in Orlando could be replaced by a substitution player. NBA plans to allow replacements for players who test positive for COVID-19 or suffer injuries. Replaced players become ineligible for the rest of 2019-2020 season. https://t.co/6J62J0k8Nv

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 11, 2020

•   Soooo … what does this mean exactly? Can the Lakers sign Bronny? Can Coby White join the Bucks for a hot sec? Just kidding (kinda … I’m down to get weird), I’m assuming we’re talking about G-League players already affiliated with the organization, but I’d still love some clarification.

•   OH SNAP … BASKETBALL ONE DAY SOONER!

The NBA is targeting a slightly earlier date for the restart of the season in Orlando, sources tell ESPN: July 30.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 11, 2020

•   NBC Sports Chicago’s K.C. Johnson shared his latest mailbag this morning, and the updates are minimal. Basically, he reiterates Karnisovas is going to take his time on any big decisions, and the organization would happily welcome a summer training camp of sorts.

•   Lauri Markkanen has a lot to fix on his own terms, but it’s pretty staggering to see how his shot profile changed from one year to the next. If the Bulls want to tap into Markkanen’s full potential, they’ll have to let him be far more creative on the offensive end.

Jim Boylen Took Away Lauri Markkanen’s Versatility, the New Regime Must Give it Backhttps://t.co/vr0JF5LLyQ

— Bleacher Nation Bulls (@BN_Bulls) June 10, 2020

•   Do I think it’s possible Markkanen just isn’t as good as many of us expected? Absolutely. But I also think it’s possible we’re still looking at an All-Star caliber player. At only 22-years-old, we can’t write the guy off.

•   Until it happens, this will be a never-ending conversation.

Bring him home, @chicagobulls pic.twitter.com/3SmCkgY3BV

— Bulls Talk (@NBCSBulls) June 11, 2020

•   I wouldn’t be against a D-Rose reunion, but I also don’t want to do it just for the sake of doing it … if that makes sense? Sign him if you’re decently competitive and have a clear role for him. He just deserves to be on a good team and in a good situation.

•   Craig Hodges talked with The Athletic about systemic racism and how sports have handled societal issues. Give it a read.

•   HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO MJ FEELING LIKE ABSOLUTE TRASH AND STILL OWNING THE JAZZ!

23 years ago, an ill Michael Jordan dropped 38 points to lead the Bulls to victory and a win away from their 5th NBA title 🐐 pic.twitter.com/CrA0inw9jO

— ESPN (@espn) June 11, 2020

•   Also, in case you missed it, the guy who made MJ’s pizza that night insists it wasn’t food poisoning.

•   The Cubbies drafted a hometown kid!

Chicago Cubs Select Top High School Shortstop in the Draft – and a Chicago Guy – Ed Howard https://t.co/b1UeAR6PRA pic.twitter.com/kG4UQ5UMAl

— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) June 11, 2020