Headlines with a Chicago slant
It’s official: M.J. owns the Bobcats: “Purchasing the Bobcats is the culmination of my post-playing career goal of becoming the majority owner of an NBA franchise,” Jordan said in a statement. Good for him. He has an awful lot of work to do, though.
By all accounts, the Bobcats organization is bleeding money — that’s why Robert Johnson wanted to sell the team in the first place. They appear destined for their first playoff appearance, but even this seems like a blip of good fortune for an inconsequential franchise. The logo, the empty seats, everything about them screams opposing, villainous team in a sports movie. Or maybe that’s just my perception of them?
However I see the Bobcats doesn’t matter; still, things need to be done to make the Bobcats a top-tier organization — more winning; a season in the black, financially; and a star player fans can recognize would be a good start. Now, that would be quite the post-playing career accomplishment. But Jordan, as an owner, has a lot to prove.
Kelly Dwyer has a great perspective of Jordan’s new gig at Ball Don’t Lie.
Bears release Vasher: The Bears tried everything with the former Pro Bowler, even moving him to safety this season; it didn’t work. Vasher’s release is news because of the 5-year, $28 million contract he signed in 2007; however, his production can be filled by the newly signed Tim Jennings. Here’s the highlight of the Vasher era.
Cubs want to build a Toyota logo over the bleachers: In my very unscientific poll of the commenters of this Chicago Tribune article, about 60% are against the billboard. Of course, this means nothing, but I hope a majority of people don’t really care.
Is a sign (a detailed graphic of the proposed billboard from the Chicago Tribune), intended to block another ad, away from the field, outside of the stadium, really that great of a concern to you? The sign still needs the approval of the City of Chicago, but it seems like a sound business decision from someone who just paid $800 million on a team and stadium that needs fixing.
Teams/Games that matter & the blogs that love them
Chicago 106, Dallas 113: Like yesterday’s game, I think this logic applies: If you’re concerned with the Bulls making the playoffs, then a good effort isn’t good enough; if the playoffs don’t matter, you probably didn’t stick around for the comeback (point at myself), and don’t care that they were awarded a participation trophy. Of course, I’m surprised the Bulls only loss by 7 points; I don’t care how little the Mavericks cared about this game. Still, it doesn’t change the fact that the Bulls are 2 1/2 games from a playoff spot, and that Luol Deng’s calf isn’t doing so well (he’s “still having trouble pushing off”).
Atlanta 105, Toronto 106: The Bulls are down 2 1/2 games because, finally, the eighth-slotted Raptors ended their five-game losing streak. Chris Bosh struggled, offensively, for most of the game. Overall, he was 6 of 19 from the field. But in the final minute, with the Raptors down two, he hit a hook shot in the lane to cut the lead in half; then, with a free throw between, Bosh hit a game winner in the corner. (Great shake and step back for a big guy at the 2:00 mark.)
Oklahoma City 92, Charlotte 100: Thunder fans are upset about the officiating, so so am I. Most likely, we’re all upset by the free throw disparity between the two teams. The Bobcats had a free throw rate (FT Rate) of 41%. So basically, Charlotte took 2/5 as many free throws as field goals, a high rate; meanwhile, Oklahoma City struggled to get to the line (a FT Rate of only 21%). That, and a non-call when Jeff Green was “clubbed upside the head,” according to Daily Thunder, is probably why Thunder fans are so mad.
Milwaukee 93, LA Clippers 101: The Bucks played the Clippers (they lost). Though, as far as Chicago is concerned, I don’t think the Bucks matter anymore; therefore, they won’t be included in the “Teams/Games that matter” section (wipe tear away). The Bucks’ current playoff odds: 99.8%. And compared to the Bulls, I think they’re safe.
More links
So, yeah, I didn’t do my research on Tim Jennings. Midway Illustrated: they did. [Midway Illustrated]
Joe Alexander joins Club Trillion. [Tremendous Upside Potential]
Will Leitch previews the 2010 White Sox on Deadspin. [Deadspin]
[...] A non-Thunder fan also saw a poorly officiated game: “Thunder fans are upset about the officiating, so am I. Most likely, we’re all upset by the free throw disparity between the two teams. The Bobcats had a free throw rate (FT Rate) of 41%. So basically, Charlotte took 2/5 as many free throws as field goals, a high rate; meanwhile, Oklahoma City struggled to get to the line (a FT Rate of only 21%). That, and a non-call when Jeff Green was “clubbed upside the head,” according to Daily Thunder is probably why Thunder fans are so mad.” [...]