Chicago Sports

All eyes point to the Cubs making a move during the Winter Meetings

With the 2022 MLB Winter Meetings in San Diego right around the corner, the MLB rumor mill is no doubt going to heat up. All eyes are going to be on the top free agents and the loaded Shortstop pool to see who goes where but there’s an interesting storyline developing between the Cubs and Astros.

Yesterday national reporter for USA Today Bob Nightengale weighed in on the possibility that the Chicago Cubs and the Houston Astros could be big players for the two best free-agent catchers this offseason.

Last week Ken Rosenthal reported that the Astros have maintained contact with Contreras and fully intend on meeting with him during the Winter Meetings next week. On the other hand, The Athletic reported last month that the Cubs have interest in Christian Vazquez.

Who is Christian Vasquez?

Christian Vazquez is a 32 year old catcher is who is an above average defender and someone who hits near the league average every year. He spent 7 years with the Boston Red Sox before being traded this past summer to Houston after Houston’s ownership vetoed a trade which would have sent Contreras to Houston. Vazquez’s best year came in 2019 when he hit 23 HR’s and 72 RBI’s (both career highs) to go along with a .276 average.

How are the Cubs going about their catcher search?

Last month after Wilson Contreras declined the Cubs qualifying offer Team president Jed Hoyer was asked by reporters how they plan to replace Contreras and what they are looking for specifically.

It’s a two-way position. Obviously, you want guys who can hit, but it’s a run-prevention position.

So much of it is game-calling, preparation, feeling strongly about everything that pitchers do is a ‘we’ thing. It’s about teamwork and that collaboration.

The Cubs currently have Yan Gomes, P.J. Higgins, and prospect Miguel Amaya on their current 40 man roster. Unfortunately Gomes and Higgins are both backup catchers at best and Amaya is currently a big fat question mark for the Cubs due to injury setbacks in seasons past.

How would Contreras fit with Houston?

With the Houston Astros kicking off the offseason with the biggest move so far in inking former White Sox Jose Abreu to a 3 year deal they are now zeroing in on another former Chicago Stalwart. Houston almost traded for Contreras at the trade deadline this year and are now heavily pursuing him in free agency.

If the two sides eventually come to an agreement that will raise the question of how Contreras will fit with Houston. The most obvious option would be to stick Contreras at the position he is most familiar with in catcher but Houston already has Martin Maldonado who is regarded as an above average defender behind the dish. What is intriguing about Contreras is he is unlike other catchers in the MLB. He can DH where he did just so for the Cubs 39 times in 2022. He can play the outfield and even came up as an infielder as a rookie back in 2016.

Wilson Contreras has also been linked to the St.Louis Cardinals which makes sense with the retirement of Yadier Molina. A dark horse could always swoop in and sign Contreras but if he ends up with either Houston or St.Louis, Cubs fans are going to hate seeing him in either uniform.

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The Los Angeles Lakers reportedly have their eyes on a pair of Bulls players that might be available

The Chicago Bulls are getting to the point where they are going to have to make a decision on what they want to do for the future of the franchise. Through 21 games, the Bulls are 9-12 overall and on the outside looking in on the playoff race.

Will the Bulls be sellers and try to rebuild through the draft and acquiring assets? Or will they go for a big move and trade away future capital?

On Friday, one trade rumor floated out there involved the Los Angeles Lakers and their potential pursuit of two key players on the Bulls — DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic.

During the newest episode of NBA reporter Zach Lowe’s podcast, he talks about trade scenarios that Bill Simmons brought up recently. One including the Los Angeles Lakers. And from there, Lowe reports that the Lakers have had internal discussions about both DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic as RealGM writes:

“The trade I saw on Twitter was Russ and both picks, one with light protections I think for DeRozan and Vucevic,” said Zach Lowe on his podcast. “I can tell you 100 percent for sure that the Lakers have had internal discussions about that very possibility, if it would ever come up. “Not that they would do that. Let me be clear.”

Now, this is where the Bulls would need to pick a path for the future if approached by the Lakers. Getting future first rounders would be the key but those wouldn’t be soon either way. The Pelicans own the Lakers 2023 first rounder, and the rights to 2024 or a swap to 2025.  So it gets a little confusing and murky when talking picks.

But it will be interesting to see if the Bulls do engage in talks and pick a lane here as the season goes on.

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One game. Maybe two.

That’s how many of this year’s conference championship matchups actually matter in regard to which four teams make the College Football Playoff.

One of those was the Pac-12 title game, a Friday-night affair with No. 4 USC likely needing to beat Utah to get into the playoff for the first time. As for Saturday’s slate, the Big 12 game — No. 3 TCU against Kansas State — holds all the intrigue. If the unbeaten Horned Frogs finally lose, and lose badly, are they out? If they lose a close one, are they still in, warts and all? Of course, if they beat the Wildcats for a second time this season, they get to kiss the princess and start packing for either Glendale, Ariz., or Atlanta.

But with news that playoff expansion is coming in 2024 — the field expanding to 12 — it’s hard not to get sidetracked imagining what the weekend might have looked like.

The new format will reward the six league champs ranked highest by the selection committee (the top four of which get first-round byes) and the six highest-ranked teams not among them. If the format were in play now, Utah would have a chance to win and put two Pac-12 teams in the field. Same with Kansas State in the Big-12. An LSU upset of Georgia in the SEC potentially would put four teams from that powerhouse league in the field. A Purdue upset of Michigan would put three or four in from the Big Ten. Clemson-North Carolina in the ACC and Tulane-UCF in the American would be play-in games. Non-champs Ohio State, Alabama, Tennessee and Penn State, meanwhile, all would be licking their chops in anticipation of the first-round pairings.

So much excitement and chaos … just not yet.

This year and next, we’ve got what we’ve got. It’ll have to do.

SATURDAY’S CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES

Big 12: No. 3 TCU (-2 1/2 ) vs. No. 10 Kansas State (11 a.m., Ch. 7, Arlington, Texas): K-State led 28-17 at the half — at TCU — the first time these teams squared off. The Frogs ended up getting it done, but they’ve come through in close games all season. Against the Big 12’s No. 1 defensive team, is it finally their time to blow one? K-State can run the ball, and its coach, Chris Klieman, is a postseason master, having won four FCS national titles at North Dakota State. But the Frogs still get overlooked in funny ways, like ESPN’s silly Power Index still having them behind Texas even though they won in Austin and are unbeaten. Come on, man. TCU, 34-31.

MAC: Ohio (+3) vs. Toledo (11 a.m., ESPN, Detroit): Toledo last won this thing in 2017. Ohio has made four title games and lost them all, which hardly seems fair. Northern Illinois lost by only seven at Ohio but got bombed at home by 20 by Toledo, and you know what that means — absolutely nothing. Bobcats in a bit of an upset.

Sun Belt: Coastal Carolina (+8 1/2 ) at Troy (2:30 p.m., ESPN): Troy’s defense is as good as it gets at this level, a tireless unit that plays angry and can really run. Coastal coach Jamey Chadwell, meanwhile, reportedly has one foot out the door to Liberty, which can’t be good for his current squad, can it? Trojans protect their house, 27-14.

SEC: No. 1 Georgia (-17 1/2 ) vs. No. 14 LSU (3 p.m., Ch. 2, Atlanta): The embarrassment of last weekend’s pathetic showing at Texas A&M fueled LSU’s preparation for Georgia, for whatever that’s worth. But are the ‘Dogs really going to lose this game for the second year in a row? Not a chance. Still, knowing they’re in the playoff no matter what is bound to take the edge off a bit. ‘Dogs win, Tigers cover.

American: No. 22 UCF (+4) at No. 18 Tulane (3 p.m., Ch. 7): We saw these very same teams play three weeks ago at the very same New Orleans stadium, and UCF won 38-31. Why else would Tulane be favored, right? Green Wave flip the script, 38-31.

Mountain West: Fresno State (+3) at Boise State (3 p.m., Fox-32): We saw these very same teams play eight weeks ago at the very same Boise stadium, and the visitors lost 40-20. But it was a closer game than that score indicates and — more important — terrific senior QB Jake Haener was out with an injury. Led by Haener, Bulldogs get some payback.

Big Ten: No. 2 Michigan (-17) vs. Purdue (7 p.m., Fox-32, Indianapolis): A letdown for the Wolverines after a glorious win against Ohio State? That’s what many of us asked a year ago, then they stormed the field in Indy and obliterated Iowa 42-3. Figure they’ll leave a bit more in the tank for the playoff this time. Blake Corum, Michigan’s superstar running back, has been shut down, but that’s OK. Backup Donovan Edwards hits paydirt three times in a 34-19 win.

ACC: No. 9 Clemson (-7 1/2 ) vs. No. 23 North Carolina (7 p.m., Ch. 7, Charlotte, N.C.): Can UNC’s passing attack, powered by QB Drake Maye and top target Josh Downs, keep up with Clemson’s scoring? Because even Dabo Swinney’s up-and-down offense is sure to put up big numbers against Mack Brown’s terrible defense. Tigers 38, Tar Heels 34.

Last week: 5-3 straight up, 3-4-1 vs. the spread.

Season to date: 71-41 straight up, 56-55-1 vs. the spread.

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A Bears quarterback is lost for the season

The Chicago Bears had two quarterbacks on their Week 13 injury report. Justin Fields sustained a shoulder injury during the Bears’ loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Backup quarterback Trevor Siemian suffered an oblique injury during warmups before the New York Jets game. One of the Bears’ quarterbacks has been ruled out of the season.

According to Adam Schefter with ESPN, head coach Matt Eberflus said Siemian will have season-ending surgery:

Fields, a full participant in Thursday’s practice, should be the Bears’ starter for Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers.

The Bears staff seem to be taking precautions with Siemian after letting the quarterback play against the Jets following the injury. One that note, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers sustained an oblique injury against the Philadelphia Eagles last week and is expected to play the Bears this week. The Packers have a shot at the Playoffs. The Bears don’t.

Fields, who was rehabbing his injury last week, seems likely to be left out to dry by the Bears’ management. But right now, Eberflus is just trying to win, not worrying about Fields’ future health in a losing season.

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Chicago Bears green bay packers Justin Fields

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The regular season has ended for college football and this weekend brings on the conference championships.

Here are the best bets for some of the marquee matchups on 12/3

Kansas State vs. TCU on ABC 12pm EST

Kansas State is coming for revenge here. They had TCU on the ropes in the regular season where Kansas State was in the drivers seat if both Adrian Martinez and Will Howard didn’t get hurt for K-State. With K-State having a great running game through Deuce Vaughn and especially with Adrian Martinez pre-injury there is a different part of Kansas State that they’ve developed with Will Howard.

No reports ever really come out about Adrian Martinez and Will Howard keeps starting each week so I am led to believe Will is going to start this week. With Will at starting QB Kansas State is better at throwing the ball and they’ve put up plenty of points recently through the air and on the ground. Malik Knowles is a solid lengthy wide receiver that can get behind the defense. As long as Kansas State stays with the hot hand Will Howard and keeps it balanced with success then they will be able to score.

TCU has been a big surprise for college football. The amount of games they have come back from is impressive and they just don’t die. Max Duggan has shown incredible toughness all year and has shown some solid flashes of brilliance. I won’t lie I doubted him a couple times this year and to be fair he’s not that accurate but he finds ways to win so we have to respect it.

TCU’s defense has been the talk of the team for the past few weeks especially after the Texas game. They struggled a bit with Baylor running the ball and almost lost as well. They also dominated Iowa State which isn’t saying much but it shows the defense has been way more impressive than what they were prior to the Texas game. The offense stays dominant with their running back Kendre Miller who has been brilliant and may very well be getting drafted this year. Quentin Johnston has been so dominant when he’s on the field but he has been injured lately where he doesn’t play or plays a little and then gets hurt again. It looks like he will be playing Saturday which is huge for TCU.

The Bet: I love both offenses and this game being held at AT&T stadium in Arlington screams points. Therefore the over 62 is the best bet here.

LSU vs. Georgia on CBS 4pm EST

Reports have come in recently that Jayden Daniels will play for LSU after spraining his ankle against A&M. It is fair to say I have not been fan and am currently not a fan of Jayden Daniels. You just have to QB spy him every play he genuinely doesn’t want to throw the ball. Besides that I don’t know what else is interesting about this LSU team. The receivers are studs but they don’t have a QB. The running game is just Jayden Daniels when he’s supposed to be passing. The decent thing about them is their defense but they just gave up 38 points to the most inept college football offense in the country at A&M.

Georgia isn’t a powerhouse this year in college football either but they haven’t lost in a while. Their last loss was this game last year. Georgia starts out slow and usually finishes strong in the second half so far this year. Stetson Bennett hasn’t been good this year even though the Tennessee game has people fooled. While I do think he will suffice and make enough plays it is always going to be the defense that will carry this team. Georgia has been slept on this year because of the lack of domination but the defense has been slept on even more throughout college football. Although it isn’t historic like it was last year they are still so superior to other teams.

The Bet: Georgia playing in Atlanta against an offense that should have zero success against this defense. Georgia -17.5 OR go live and bet whatever Georgia’s second half spread will be as they play much better second half.

Purdue vs. Michigan on FOX 8pm EST

Purdue being in this game hurts as Illinois had plenty of chances to play in this game but had some terribly brutal losses but then almost beat Michigan somehow. Either way Purdue won the woeful Big Ten West which may be the worst division in college football and Michigan took the East. Purdue isn’t good at all but they aren’t called the “Spoilermakers” for no reason. These are the games they live for and under head coach Jeff Brohm they are 3-0 vs. top 3 teams in college football which is nuts. I’ve mentioned Aidan O’Connell before because he will play Northwestern one week and struggle and then play Illinois the next week and go crazy. It is very possible he goes crazy in this game for Purdue because for them to have a shot he needs to do so.

Michigan will be without Blake Corum as he requires knee surgery. Seemed pretty serious since he came out after about two plays against Ohio State showing that the knee simply was in bad shape.  Donovan Edwards the other back for Michigan is still really good and maybe more versed as he is used more in the screen/ pass game. They have one of the best offensive lines in college football as well. He had a monster game against Ohio State even though he was banged up as well. JJ McCarthy makes zero sense as he hasn’t shown much spark at all until Ohio State because a week prior he could barely make a 10 yard throw against Illinois. Not sure what to expect from him but I would expect a lot of running and chewing clock like normal from Michigan.

The Bet: I am assuming less big plays for Michigan as long as Purdue can tackle well. Purdue can watch and adjust to what Ohio State did wrong and I believe Michigan will take their time and be in no rush on Saturday. Purdue +16.5.

Clemson vs. North Carolina on ABC 8pm EST

Not many people in the world of college football are fans of Clemson besides Clemson fans. I think Clemson is bad and it has a lot to do with D.J. Uiagalelei. He genuinely can’t throw and that’s the simple end to it. The offense is basically just Will Shipley their running back and just hope he can break one for them or just work their way down the field 5 yards at a time. But, and this is a big but here, they are playing UNC and UNC does their best not to play defense at all. Everything I said is correct about Clemson normally but now that they play UNC expect D.J. to look decent and Will Shipley to go off. This will probably look like the Wake Forest game earlier this year that had zero defense and was pretty fun to watch.

UNC has one of the best QB’s in all of college football named Drake Maye and that’s kind of it. They have struggled the past couple weeks. He specifically has struggled but he also does so much on his own. His receivers drop the ball all the time, he has to run all the time and he has to score basically every possession of the game because the defense never gets a stop. The kid is a freshman which has me wondering how long will he stay at UNC now with the transfer portal being so easy and with NIL deals. If this is his last game for UNC it should be a good one for him.

The Bet: I think UNC bounces back from some tough weeks and I think Clemson is bad and isn’t motivated anymore as their college football playoff hopes are done. UNC +7.5 and if you want to double up on it go with the over 63.5.

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Friday, December 2, 2022

CATHOLIC LEAGUE

Brother Rice at Montini, 7:00

DePaul at St. Laurence, 7:00

Leo at Providence-St. Mel, 7:00

Loyola at Marmion, 7:00

St. Ignatius at Providence, 7:00

CENTRAL SUBURBAN – NORTH

Maine West at Highland Park, 7:00

Niles North at Maine East, 7:00

Vernon Hills at Deerfield, 7:00

CENTRAL SUBURBAN – SOUTH

Glenbrook North at Niles West, 7:00

Glenbrook South at Evanston, 7:00

Maine South at New Trier, 7:00

CHICAGO PREP

Ellison at Hope Academy, 7:00

Northtown at Walther Christian, 7:30

DU KANE

Batavia at Wheaton North, 7:00

Glenbard North at Geneva, 7:00

Lake Park at St. Charles East, 7:00

Wheaton-Warr. South at St. Charles North, 7:00

DU PAGE VALLEY

Metea Valley at DeKalb, 7:00

Naperville North at Neuqua Valley, 7:00

Waubonsie Valley at Naperville Central, 7:00

EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLIC

Marian Catholic at Nazareth, 7:00

Marist at Joliet Catholic, 7:00

Notre Dame at St. Patrick, 7:00

FOX VALLEY

Burlington Central at Dundee-Crown, 7:30

Crystal Lake South at Crystal Lake Central, 7:30

Hampshire at Cary-Grove, 7:30

Huntley at Jacobs, 7:30

McHenry at Prairie Ridge, 7:30

ILLINOIS CENTRAL EIGHT

Lisle at Streator, 6:45

Manteno at Wilmington, 7:00

Peotone at Coal City, 6:45

Reed-Custer at Herscher, 7:00

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL

Lake Forest Academy at Elgin Academy, 6:00

Morgan Park Academy at Francis Parker, 6:00

Northridge at North Shore, 6:00

INTERSTATE EIGHT

Kaneland at Rochelle, 7:00

Morris at Ottawa, 7:00

Plano at LaSalle-Peru, 7:00

Sycamore at Sandwich, 7:00

LAKE SHORE ATHLETIC

Beacon at British School, 5:30

Waldorf at Lycee Francais, 6:00

LITTLE TEN

DePue at Somonauk, 7:00

Earlville at Serena, 7:00

Leland at Hinckley-Big Rock, 6:45

Newark at Hiawatha, 7:00

METRO PREP

Universal at Islamic Foundation, 5:30

METRO SUBURBAN – BLUE

St. Francis at Chicago Christian, 7:00

METRO SUBURBAN – RED

Ridgewood at Elmwood Park, 7:00

MID-SUBURBAN – EAST

Buffalo Grove at Hersey, 7:30

Prospect at Rolling Meadows, 7:30

Wheeling at Elk Grove, 7:30

MID-SUBURBAN – WEST

Barrington at Conant, 7:30

Fremd at Schaumburg, 7:30

Palatine at Hoffman Estates, 7:30

NIC – 10

Belvidere North at Harlem, 7:30

Boylan at Belvidere, 7:15

Freeport at Jefferson, 7:15

Hononegah at Guilford, 7:00

Rockford East at Auburn, 7:30

NORTHEASTERN ATHLETIC

Alden-Hebron at South Beloit, 7:00

Christian Life at Our Lady Sacred Heart, 5:30

PUBLIC LEAGUE RED-WEST / NORTH

Lincoln Park at Prosser, 6:30

Orr at Farragut, 5:00

Westinghouse at Clark, 5:00

PUBLIC LEAGUE WHITE-NORTH

Foreman at Sullivan, 5:00

Mather at Amundsen, 5:00

Northside at Senn, 5:00

Schurz at Von Steuben, 5:00

PUBLIC LEAGUE WHITE-WEST

Collins at Crane, 5:00

Jones at Legal Prep, 5:00

Marshall at Austin, 5:00

Payton at Raby, 7:30

PUBLIC LEAGUE BLUE-NORTH

Alcott at ASPIRA-Bus&Fin, 5:00

Chicago Math & Science at Disney, 5:00

Marine at Uplift, 5:00

Rickover at North-Grand, 5:00

Roosevelt at Intrinsic-Belmont, 5:00

Steinmetz at Chicago Academy, 5:00

PUBLIC LEAGUE BLUE-WEST

Chicago Collegiate at Phoenix, 5:00

Clemente at Chicago Tech, 5:00

Douglass at Kelvyn Park, 5:00

Little Village at Juarez, 5:00

Spry at Manley, 5:00

RIVER VALLEY

Clifton Central at Tri-Point, 7:00

Donovan at Beecher, 7:00

Gardner-So. Wilmington at Illinois Lutheran, 7:00

Grace Christian at Grant Park, 7:00

St. Anne at Momence, 7:00

SOUTH SUBURBAN – CROSSOVER

Bremen at Reavis, 6:00

Eisenhower at Lemont, 7:00

Hillcrest at Oak Lawn, 6:30

Richards at Oak Forest, 6:30

Thornton Fr. North at Argo, 7:00

Thornton Fr. South at Shepard, 6:30

Tinley Park at Evergreen Park, 6:00

SOUTHLAND

Rich at Crete-Monee, 6:30

Thornridge at Thornwood, 6:30

Thornton at Bloom, 6:00

SOUTHWEST PRAIRIE – EAST

Joliet Central at Plainfield South, 6:30

Plainfield Central at Plainfield East, 6:30

Romeoville at Joliet West, 6:30

SOUTHWEST PRAIRIE – WEST

Oswego at Plainfield North, 6:30

Oswego East at Minooka, 6:30

West Aurora at Yorkville, 6:30

SOUTHWEST SUBURBAN – CROSSOVER

Andrew at Homewood-Flossmoor, 6:30

Lincoln-Way Central at Lincoln-Way East, 6:30

Lincoln-Way West at Lockport, 6:30

Stagg at Bolingbrook, 7:00

TRI-COUNTY

Henry-Senachwine at Seneca, 7:00

Lowpoint-Washburn at Roanoke-Benson, 7:30

Putnam County at Dwight, 7:00

Woodland at Midland, 7:00

WEST SUBURBAN – GOLD

Addison Trail at Leyden, 7:30

Downers Grove South at Hinsdale South, 7:30

Willowbrook at Morton, 7:00

WEST SUBURBAN – SILVER

Glenbard West at Proviso West, 7:30

Hinsdale Central at York, 7:30

NON CONFERENCE

Ashton-Franklin Center at Marquette, 7:00

Cristo Rey at Mansueto, 6:30

Hansberry at Holy Trinity, 6:00

Kankakee at Harlan, 6:30

Lake Zurich at Lakes, 7:00

Marian Central at Johnsburg, 7:30

North Chicago at Waukegan, 7:00

Ogden at Danville, 6:30

Oregon at Indian Creek, 6:45

Richmond-Burton at North Boone, 7:00

Wauconda at Woodstock, 7:00

Winnebago at Rockford Christian, 7:00, NC

CAHOKIA

Hyde Park vs. Father Tolton (MO), 4:20

CHICAGO ELITE CLASSIC

at Credit Union 1 Arena

Lane vs. Taft, 6:00

Oak Park-River Forest vs. Fenwick, 7:30

Benet vs. Riverside-Brookfield, 9:00

MT. VERNON / BELLEVILLE LINDENWOOD

Antioch vs. Hazelwood Central (MO), 7:30

AURORA CHRISTIAN

Aurora Central vs. St. Edward, 6:00

Aurora Christian vs. IMSA, 7:30

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It appears Justin Fields will be back at quarterback for the Bears when they host the Packers on Sunday. And as long as there’s little-to-no risk of him further damaging his separated left shoulder, that’s a good thing for him and the team.

The Bears got a firsthand look at what they are without Fields last week against the Jets: hopeless. But with his unparalleled running ability and increasing capacity as a passer, he gives them a chance to keep pace with Aaron Rodgers.

Fields practiced in full Thursday and Friday, something he had not done since Nov. 18, and coach Matt Eberflus didn’t designate a game status for him against the Packers. That means there’s no injury-related reason to hold him out.

Fields was out last week against the Jets, and backup Trevor Siemian started in his place. Siemian strained an oblique muscle in warmups, played through it, but was out of practice this week and has been ruled out for Sunday.

The Bears probably will promote Nathan Peterman from the practice squad as Fields’ backup. They signed Tim Boyle to their active roster off the Lions’ practice squad Wednesday, but it is highly unlikely they’d trust him ahead of Peterman, who has been with the team since May.

The Bears’ top two rookies, safety Jaquan Brisker and cornerback Kyler Gordon, both will miss the game because of concussions.

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The Chicago Bulls head to California to face the defending champion Golden State Warriors on Friday night.

The Chicago Bulls have been a rollercoaster ride in 2022-23 that to this point, has been closer to pukeworthy than entertaining. At 9-12, the conversations surrounding this team are already at a rock bottom, clamoring for this team to sell its’ assets and tank for Victor Wembanyama.

While Wembanyama appears to be special, I’d be shocked, at least at this stage of the season to see the Chicago Bulls pull the plug so hard that they would actually be a contender for one of the worst records in basketball. If we are entering that conversation, the plug needs to be pulled now, and I just don’t see that as realistic.

Waiting any amount of time would be far too late to enter the tank conversation, and not to mention, the Bulls just enacted that strategy and it left them with multiple 7th overall picks, and a 4th overall pick, missing out on the likes of Trae Young, Luka Doncic, Deandre Ayton, Zion Williamson, Ja Morant, RJ Barrett, Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball. Why should we have any confidence that A: we can tank so hard to be a bottom four team, and B: even if that is the case, it’s a 25% chance at best to land the top pick.

Tanking now just isn’t an option and frankly, while I don’t believe this team is a contender when entirely healthy, I do believe that we will see a stronger more consistent team as the season wears on.

Personally, I have been suggesting since the offseason that this Bulls team is more of a sleeper to make a trade for a superstar if the asking price comes down. Sam Smith of SI, affirmed my thoughts this week, suggesting the Bulls should be in on Kevin Durant.

The hard truth is that the Chicago Bulls are in a very tough position where they aren’t really a viable team to tank or get into the tank sweepstakes unless multiple trades are made this month, and on the flip side, unless they make a trade or one of their current players takes a huge step forward, there isn’t much of a path to construct a contending roster.

I beg that people will have some patience with this team, on one hand because it is still far too early to throw in the towel, or because if they want to get the best value for trades whether it be selling off assets, or attempting to sell young assets for a star, these guys need to maximize their value on the court.

That was obviously a bigger intro and ramble than I usually lay down for the best bet blogs, but I do feel the need to add some realism to our situation here.

The best bet blog has been a horror show these last few weeks after starting 6-2, but as I’ve stated before I won’t rest until this thing is a hungry winning machine whether the Bulls are rattling off wins or not. We’re going back to a guy that has been our most profitable pick this season on these blogs. It’s going to be a tough one tonight in the Bay Area, let’s strap on the war helmets and get to work. See red and GO BULLS!!

2022 Bulls Best Bet Record: 9-12 (3L Cold Streak)Last Pick: Chicago Bulls +5.5 – L

Patrick Williams Over 9.5 Points (Sportsbook odds may vary)

Despite the noise surrounding Patrick Williams, and the expectations that he has fell short of, if you have been watching him on the Bulls team, you will see a significantly more confident player than what we saw to open the season.

His impact on the defensive end has risen to arguably the most consistent defender on the team, his role is increasing, and although the last game against the Suns saw a cold shooting night, he leads the team in three point percentage at 43.5%.

I have called for Williams to get more and more opportunities to shoot anywhere on the court, but especially from three point land on a team that ranks 28th in the NBA in three-pointers made per game. Patrick Williams is one of the biggest keys to boosting that number.

We’ve seen so far in spots where the Bulls have had ugly outcomes, the following game, Williams has had a sense of urgency and a boost in tenacity. I like his chances to hit a couple of deep shots tonight, but I also expect him to attack the rim a bit tonight.

I understand the feelings towards Williams are low, but going back to my opening rant, Patrick Williams is such a massive key to the future of this team. That can mean multiple things, not just expecting him to elevate into a star player.

If the Chicago Bulls front office decides he isn’t the guy, they still need to be able to showcase his talents on the floor to entice another team, or if he is the guy, or this is the core of players that they move forward with, barring a big signing, Williams taking the next step would be the key to the Bulls taking a step forward themselves.

Have some patience with the kid, he is seriously talented on both ends of the floor, he just needs to continue gaining more and more confidence. If the Bulls can’t find a way to instill that confidence, they will need to find another way to change the future of this team. I’m riding with the kid tonight to hit double figures, best of luck, see red and GO BULLS!!

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