I was having a perfectly pleasant Thursday morning. Then, Zach Harper of The Athletic ran up to me and poured scalding hot coffee on my crotch while simultaneously pouring ice-cold water down my back.
At least, that’s what it felt like reading his sobering thoughts about the Chicago Bulls.
- In The Athletic’s latest edition of The Bounce, Harper spent some time highlighting the Bulls’ shortcomings. While he didn’t tell us anything new, he did remind us of something we’ve all tried to forget. Ever since Michael Jordan left the franchise, the organization has easily been one of the worst in the NBA. To be sure, there is always some sort of hangover expected after someone as talented as the GOAT walks out the door. But a 26-year-long headache!?
- The Athletic shared a graphic that perfectly summed up the disaster that has been the Chicago Bulls franchise. They have just a .455 winning percentage since Jordan left and have tanked a lousy 25th in the league. Over the past two decades, they’ve accumulated just 12 total postseason appearances, which matches the total Jordan had in his 13 seasons with the team. Honestly, it’s remarkable to think about how horrible they have been at building a true contender. Aside from their short-lived moment with Derrick Rose – which was spearheaded by a once-in-a-lifetime lottery – they have failed time and again to play meaningful basketball. And, worst of all, ownership doesn’t seem to care one bit.
- After releasing their Top 10 dunks of all time, the Chicago Bulls have a new video for us to debate. Can you remember any ball-handling moments that should have made the cut?
- I have to say, these rankings feel considerably worse than the one the Bulls put out last week. Andre Drummond crossing Chet Holmgren is the fourth-best ball-handling moment in franchise history!? Pardon my Midwest, but yeah … no. As fun as that was, we can all agree that was just some bad defense by Holmgren. Also, how the heck is there only one Jamal Crawford play and one Michael Jordan play featured!? Oof.
- The Chicago Sky will take on the Indiana Fever for the fourth and final time this regular season. The previous three games have all been close contests, with the most recent battle ending in an 88-87 victory for Angel Reese and Company. While the Sky will have the home-court advantage again tonight (and, by the way, tickets are ridiculously expensive), I have a feeling they’ll have a hard time walking away with another victory. Chennedy Carter remains out due to health and safety protocols, and we all know how important she has been in this season series.
- If the Sky wants to win tonight, it’ll start on the defensive end. They’re one of the worst 3-point shooting teams, especially after trading away Marina Mabrey, so letting Caitlin Clark get hot can’t be an option. Reese and Cardoso will also have to handle Aliyah Boston, who has played some of her best basketball of the season against the Sky. Cardoso, in particular, has a huge size advantage against this Fever team, so leaning on her tonight on both ends may be the way to go.
- This is what it’s all about!
- Matas Buzelis has the kind of on-and-off-court personality the Chicago Bulls have been missing.
- Please be good next year …
- We’ve been patient for a long time …