Chicago Bulls: Notes From the Weekend (10/21-23)
This past weekend was the final weekend for the Chicago Bulls before the regular season begins later in the week. Here’s some notes and thoughts from the final weekend without (real) Bulls basketball.
Next: Bulls waive Dinwiddie, roster count sits at 14 players
Believe it, Chicago Bulls fans.
The regular season begins on Thursday night against the Boston Celtics and the result will actually count. The Bulls open their 51st season of NBA action at home against the Celtics; one of the popular picks to challenge the mighty Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference race.
Before the Bulls hit the United Center floor for the first time in the regular season, there’s still some things that need to be set in order.
Here’s what you may have missed over the weekend from the Bulls, including some thoughts on the power forward starting spot battle that doesn’t have a conclusion yet.
Cristiano Felicio, Denzel Valentine both miss practice over weekend, Nikola Mirotic goes through practice
Cristiano Felicio (throat) and Denzel Valentine (ankle) both missed practice over the weekend. Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg spoke on both players after Sunday’s practice concluded.
Felicio didn't practice with swelling after getting hit in throat. Valentine didn't go through live action work.
— Cody Westerlund (@CodyWesterlund) October 23, 2016
Felicio’s status is in question, and so is Valentine’s. But, if he practices early in the week, it sounds like the 14th overall pick in this year’s draft could be a go on Thursday night.
Despite Felicio and Valentine missing practice, Nikola Mirotic (back strain) did practice. There’s no official word on whether or not he’ll play on Thursday night, but it safe to assume he will in some fashion.
Fred Hoiberg’s Popvichian response to the PF position battle
When asked about who is going to be the starting power forward for the Bulls on Opening Night, Fred Hoiberg’s response was reminiscent of one San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich.
That’s about as Popovich as you can get, Fred.
Fred Hoiberg is a Cubs fan, so he’s the worst (Kidding.)
Hoiberg on Cubs (yes, we've come to this): "It's a team you can learn from." Talked about togetherness. Grew up a Cubs fan in Iowa.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) October 23, 2016
Who isn’t a Cubs fan these days in Chicago?
Hoiberg mentioned that he grew up as a huge Cubs fan in Iowa before he became “The Mayor” at Iowa State. (The Cubs’ AAA team is located in Iowa, so he gets a pass for being a fan. It makes sense.)
Dwyane Wade could be in the house for Game 3 of the World Series
Dwyane Wade plans to go to Game 3 of World Series at Wrigley "if I can get seats."
— Cody Westerlund (@CodyWesterlund) October 23, 2016
Wade already made an appearance at Wrigley Field this past summer after signing with the Bulls on a two-year deal.
Good luck finding seats for Game 3, Dwyane. Game 4 isn’t an option because the Bulls will be playing the Indiana Pacers on Saturday night.
Wade: "I know Scottie (Pippen) butchered 7th-inning stretch. I think me and Jimmy and Rondo could do a good job together if (Cubs) ask us."
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) October 23, 2016
Also, the “Three Alphas” might be going out on tour this season, so that’s nice.
Thomas Walkup will be a member of the Windy City Bulls this season
Bulls' camp cut Thomas Walkup will join the Windy City Bulls as an affiliate player, per @AJohnsonSports #NBADL
— Chris Reichert (@Chris_Reichert) October 23, 2016
Final thoughts:
On a personal note, to those Bulls fans who happen to be fans of the Chicago Cubs, I — the lone White Sox fan on this staff — would like to congratulate the Cubs on finally making it back to the Fall Classic.
It’s always fun to jab at the Cubs for the “curse”, but what this team has done has been pretty special. The atmosphere for Game 6 was unbelievable and those that have waited a long time for this past Saturday night, I’m glad you all got to enjoy that moment.
Now, if only the Bulls could find a way to fly more W’s than many think they’ll this season, we might be in business here.