This is the last long weekend the Chicago Bulls can’t ruin, so really enjoy it!
- Another day, another ridiculous GOAT discussion. Gilbert Arena recently appeared on Above the Rim with Dwight Howard and had quite an outlandish comment about His Airness: โThe only people who bring him up are when LeBron Jamesโ name is mentioned. Thatโs the only reason Michael Jordan is relevant,” Arena declared.
- Um … WHAT!? Look, if you want to throw out the all-time scoring record or the longevity as a case for LeBron James, I can at the very least respect it. But if you’re going to use a comment like this in your argument, there is clearly no genuine discussion to be had. Jordan remains one of the most well-known athletes in the world. He’s created a legacy that expands far past the basketball court, and I do believe this is allowed to be factored into the GOAT debate.
- Now, I can at least understand where Arenas is coming from when he states that the GOAT must change over time. As fewer and fewer basketball fans can say they got to watch Michael Jordan play, it can be hard for him to hold onto his lead. At the same time, I don’t think you had to live or spend your formative years in the MJ Era to believe he’s the greatest to ever do it. I was merely a twinkle in my mother’s eye during half of Jordan’s run, and I still believe he sits at the top despite watching James’ entire career. There are plenty of basketball fans out there who say the same. This is the power of YouTube archives or building one of the most popular athletic brands in the world. If anything, the fact so many people who didn’t watch Jordan still have him as their GOAT speaks volumes about the true legacy he left behind.
- Would you trade Brandon Ingram for Zach LaVine? Bleacher Report recently put together a list of who they believe should be the top trade targets for every team. Ingram was mentioned first for the Chicago Bulls, and this isn’t the only time I’ve seen this idea tossed around. Ingram is headed into the final year of his contract and has struggled to fit alongside Zion Williamson. The New Orleans Pelicans have appeared more than willing to split up the two All-Stars, but there hasn’t been an overwhelming number of suitors due to his contract status. With that in mind, could a two-time All-Star with a strong perimeter game become appealing? I wouldn’t necessarily be stunned, especially as the reality of losing Ingram for nothing next summer could set in.
- With that said, if the Pelicans aren’t willing to pay Ingram, it’s hard to imagine they have much of an appetite to take on LaVine’s hefty contract. His dynamic long-range shooting might make a lot more sense with Williamson, but the defensive limitations and decision-making remain a concern for a team looking to make more noise in the West ASAP. Then, of course, there is the Chicago Bulls side of things. While Ingram is still only 27 years old with a nice well-rounded game and great length, he still has plenty to prove as a foundational winning piece. If the Bulls trade for him, they’ll have to pay up to keep him, and the last thing they want to do is get rid of one ugly contract only to immediately sign another. Not to mention, the health concerns are arguably worse with Ingram than LaVine. He hasn’t played more than 64 games in a season since his second year in the league!
- So on the one hand, I think it might be considered a win if the Chicago Bulls were able to grab someone as talented as Ingram for a disgruntled asset like LaVine. On the other hand, the money and health scare the carp out of me. Replacing LaVine with someone like Ingram also surely puts the Bulls back in that Play-In Tournament purgatory. Could anyone trust this front office to add him while keeping a true rebuilding mindset? That would be the only way this makes sense, as the rest of the roster still has a long way to go.
- This play was awesome …
- ICYMI: The Chicago Bulls have needed a young player with Matas Buzelis’ personality …
- Some fun sales over at Fanatics today!
- CAPTAIN CALEB!