Chicago Sports

‘A very special’ walk-off win for White Sox’ Josh Harrison, Dylan Cease

There are wins during a 162 game season and then there are wins that pack a little more punch.

Take the White Sox’ 7-6 victory in 12 innings over the Blue Jays at Guaranteed Rate Field. Dylan Cease’s masterful six innings of one-hit ball with 11 strikeouts went down the tubes when the bullpen couldn’t hold a 2-0 lead.

The Sox tied it with two runs in the ninth, and with one in each of the 10th, 11th and 12th innings to win it, the clincher coming on Josh Harrison’s RBI single scoring hobbling free runner Jose Abreu from second.

“That might be the most fun one we’ve had this year,” Cease said. “To be down late, then come back and hang in there, and ultimately win it late, those are the types of ball games that will get you into the playoffs at the end of the year.”

The Sox (33-33) are a .500 team for the first time since May 29 and go for a series sweep Wednesday afternoon against the Jays (38-30), who swept the Sox in Toronto three weeks ago. The Sox have won six of their last eight games.

Harrison, a 10-year veteran and two-time All-Star who underachieved on an underperforming team for much of the first two months of the season, has had two big games in a row now. He also homered in the Sox’ 8-7 win Monday and made big plays in the field.

“That’s what teams do,” Harrison said. “You pull from everybody 1 through 9. Those are fun games to be a part of, especially when you win.”

Harrison is batting .325 (14-for-43) in his his last 13 games and has a six-game winning streak that raised his average to .216. There have been calls for having him DFA’d, which he was asked about after the game.

“I’ll be honest, I don’t care what anybody says,” Harrison said. “I don’t play for the motivation of people that don’t like me or that do like me, no disrespect. Everything I do on the field is how I’m wired. I play for me, I play for my teammates, I play for my family. If somebody is not for me, it doesn’t bother me.”

There was nothing not to like about Cease’s pitching. He struck out the first five batters he faced, took a no-hitter into the sixth, recorded his 12th double-digit strikeout game tying him with Carlos Rod?n and Alex Fernandez for sixth place in White Sox history and tied his career-high with 11 strikeouts. Cease (2.68 ERA) made a dangerous Jays lineup swing and miss 20 times.

“It’s a good feeling,” Cease said. “It feels like if I get [my slider] in the zone, I’m pretty much unhittable. So, that’s kinda what I was rolling with today.”

Luis Robert matched a career high with four RBI, including two on a tying single in the ninth, an inning that started after two outs. Danny Mendick’s RBI single tied it in the 10th, and Robert’s sacrifice fly scoring Tim Anderson tied it in the 11th.

Vince Velasquez pitched two innings of relief for the win.

“A very special win,” manager Tony La Russa said.

Abreu, hobbling through the game with apparent leg soreness, will either be the DH Wednesday or not play at all. It seemed fitting that he scored the winning run from second.

“To see a leader like [Abreu] who has been out there grinding like that, it allows us all to take a step back and say ‘no excuses,’ Harrison said. “To see him out there grinding through 12 innings speaks volumes for this clubhouse.”

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Josh Harrison’s walk-off single in 12th gives White Sox 7-6 win over Blue Jays

We’ve yet to see the White Sox bullpen rolled out as it was meant to be when Kendall Graveman and Joe Kelly were signed as free agents before the season. An expensive back-end setup with Liam Hendriks as closer, Graveman and Kelly from the right side and Aaron Bummer from the left looked strong on paper. But due to injuries to all but Graveman, on paper is the only place that bullpen has been seen.

Hendriks has a right forearm flexor strain and Bummer has a lat strain. Kelly is back from his second stint on the IL but not yet able to throw on consecutive days so he was unavailable to help preserve Dylan Cease’s six-inning gem in a 7-6 win for the Sox in 12 innings against the Blue Jays Tuesday Guaranteed Rate Field.

The Sox (33-33) won it on Josh Harrison’s RBI single with two outs scoring Jose Abreu from second. The Sox are at .500 for the first time since May 29 and have defeated the Blue Jays (38-30) two straight for their sixth win in eight games.

“Just trying not to do too much,” Harrison said. “We just have to show up every day, win every series.”

Vince Velasquez pitched two innings of relief for the win.

Cease left with a 2-0 lead after allowing one hit and striking out 11. The Jays scored one in the seventh against Jimmy Lambert and three in the eighth against rookie Davis Martin and Jose Ruiz. The Sox tied it in the ninth on Luis Robert’s two-run single against Jordan Romano, the Jays took back the lead on Vladimir Guerrero’s RBI double in the 10th against Graveman and the Sox sent the game to the 11th on Danny Mendick’s RBI single. Robert’s sacrifice fly scoring Tim Anderson tied it in the 11th, Robert’s fourth RBI of night.

Using a squadron of relievers with minor league starter profiles is a precarious way to hold down one of the better lineups in baseball. But so it goes for manager Tony La Russa until Hendriks and Bummer heal and Kelly still not quite up to speed.

Martin, in an unfamiliar high leverage relief spot, walked the leadoff man in the eighth, had no play on Lourdes Gurriel’s 45-foot roller near the third base line and watched pinch hitter Cavan Biggio’s tying RBI looping single fall out of shortstop Tim Anderson’s reach in a three-run inning.

It was a tough way to see Cease’s gem go down the tubes. The Sox got two runs against righty Kevin Gausman on consecutive doubles by AJ Pollock and Adam Engel in the second and another on Robert’s RBI double in the fifth. Anderson got picked off first by catcher Alejandro Kirk one batter before Robert’s double, probably costing the Sox a run.

Every day when La Russa huddles with pitching coaches Ethan Katz and Curt Hasler to map out a pitching plan, they piece together who’s available and go from there. It’s especially tricky without Hendriks, whose absence pushes everyone up on the role-chain. It means middle relievers are asked to work higher leverage innings.

Guys like Reynaldo Lopez — who pitched two scoreless innings in the Sox’ 8-7 win over the Jays Monday — Martin and Lambert had been effective of late.

“We have a little chemistry going,” La Russa said. “There are certain guys that are not available, which means certain other guys can step up in those roles. If they step up, keep it going, if not, it makes it tougher. Guys have stepped forward.”

The Sox want to make sure the tendon connecting Bummer’s shoulder and lat is “completely intact and calm before we start ramping him up” with a throwing program, general manager Rick Hahn said. “It’s going to be a bit of a slower process probably with him.”

“We’ve had a lot of guys over there with a higher workload than they’ve had in previous years,” Hendriks said. “Some guys making their debuts, guys who have never pitched in back to back games. Doing that from the get-go it’s going to wear on you a little bit.”

With his pitch count at 101 through six, Cease would not have had enough pitches left to complete a no-hitter. He lowered his ERA to 2.68.

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Cubs fall to Pirates 7-1, widen gap in NL Central

PITTSBURGH – Under different circumstances, the Cubs’ current two-city road trip to Pittsburgh and St. Louis could have been an opportunity to climb the National League Central standings.

So far, it’s done nothing but create space between the Cubs and the teams directly above them.

After a 7-1 loss to the Pirates on Tuesday, the Cubs slid to a 25-43 record, 3 1/2 games back of the No. 3 Pirates. If it wasn’t already clear that the Cubs would be sellers at the deadline, a pair of losses to the Pirates certainly didn’t make the Cubs look like contenders for the division crown, or even second place.

Until the Cubs’ rotation gets healthy, the team is in for more games like the first two of this four-game series at Pittsburgh.

“I’m tired of talking about the back-end guys saving [the bullpen],” Cubs manager David Ross said. “We’ve got to do a better job from the get-go and get ourselves in some ballgames.”

While the Cubs wait for Marcus Stroman (right shoulder inflammation), Drew Smyly (right oblique strain) and Wade Miley (left shoulder strain) to return from the IL – which isn’t imminent — several of their starters have been working through mechanical issues in recent weeks.

Any pitcher, no matter how experienced, can hit a mechanical rut. Former Cubs closer Craig Kimbrel’s 2020 season is a perfect example. The Cubs pulled him from the closing role that year and through behind-the-scenes work turned his season around. He went from posting a 23.63 ERA in his first four outings to not allowing a run in the month of September.

The Cubs are doing something similar with top prospect Caleb Kilian by optioning him to Triple-A.

“Working on things at this level and putting the pressure on yourself is not always the easiest spot to do it,” Ross said after the move Tuesday.

The Cubs, however, don’t have the flexibility to let every young pitcher who is battling mechanical issues address those in the minor leagues, or even in a less prominent role.

Look at rookie Matt Swarmer, who gave up five runs in four innings on Tuesday.

The first two outings of Swarmer’s major-league career this year were quality starts. He held both the Brewers and Cardinals to one run through six innings. But his last three starts have been high-scoring.

First, the Yankees seemed to be anticipating each pitch as it came in, and Swarmer gave up six home runs. Then, Swarmer lost his command against the Padres, walking five walks. And his start against the Padres on Tuesday featured more hard contact and a pair of walks.

“This time I was trying to attack more in the zone because I wanted to go deep in the game,” Swarmer said. “I wanted to go six or seven [innings] but that one [long third] inning kind of hurt.”

The Cubs have already heavily leaned on their pitching depth in Triple-A, including Swarmer and Kilian’s call-ups. And while the club is excited about the performances of prospects like D.J. Herz, who was named the 2021 Cubs Minor League Pitcher of the Year and has posted a 2.17 ERA in South Bend this season, Herz is still in Single-A.

By necessity, the Cubs’ starters will get more leeway. What other option do they have?

The way Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyersees it, in the long run, positives can still come out of rough outings.

“You want to make sure when you have talented young guys, you give them the runway to play and realize that with that comes some struggles,” Hoyer said last week. “… You have to give them that time in order to allow them to fulfill their potential. At some point, you’re going to have to provide those plate appearances or those innings to learn how to play at this level.”

In the short-run, the Cubs need an abrupt turnaround to salvage this four-game series.

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The Three Greatest Moments In Chicago Bears History

2022 marks 102 seasons for the Chicago Bears, with legendary owner George S Halas moving the Decatur Staleys to Chicago in 1921 and renaming the franchise the year later. However, this centenary hasn’t brought much in the way of celebration. A 6-11 season fizzled out on January 9th with a loss to the Vikings; head coach Matt Nagy and GM Ryan Pace were fired the day after.

This offseason has seen new GM Ryan Poles do some tidying up with contracts ¬– backup quarterbacks Nick Foles and Andy Dalton are gone, Khalil Mack was traded to the sunnier pastures of the L.A. Chargers and star wideout Allen Robinson left in free agency to join the Super Bowl LVI champion L.A. Rams.

However, this leaves new HC Matt Eberflus with, it’s fair to say, a fairly underwhelming roster. The price-setters concur, with the latest NFL betting odds from Coral suggesting that the Bears won’t get out of the NFC North, let alone reach Super Bowl LVII. However, the McCaskey family are patient owners – Nagy got four seasons despite never making the play-offs – and Eberflus will be given time to piece together plays for second year QB Justin Fields. Some o-line protection might help Fields also, but it’s safe to say 2022 will be a rebuilding season at Soldier Field.

 While this season might not forecast glory days, the Bears have had plenty of them in the past. Let’s take a look at three for struggling fans to hold dear this year.

 Super Bowl XX

 Many will tell you that the 1985 Bears were the best team ever assembled. Led by a brash Jim McMahon, the greatest Bear of all in Walter Payton, and a defense that only allowed an average 12.4 points over the season, only a Week 13 loss in Miami stopped them equaling the 1972 Dolphins as the only team ever to have a perfect season. The Bears didn’t allow a single point in the divisional round, beating the Giants 21-0. Same again for the Conference title where the Rams were routed 24-0. The offence came out to play in the grand finale, where the New England Patriots were humbled by Mike Ditka’s men 45-10. The story of that season is recounted by countless Chicagoans to their kids – and to anyone who isn’t from Chicago – but the definitive account is narrated by Vince Vaughn in the wonderful ESPN ’30 for 30: The ’85 Bears’.

 Devin Hester runs it back

 Few would have predicted that the next time the Bears saw a Super Bowl would be 2007. Between serious injuries to McMahon, Richard Dent and Otis Wilson (to name a few) and the strained relationship between coaches Ditka and Buddy Ryan snapping, the ’85 Bears never became a dynasty and two decades passed before they once again got to the game’s biggest stage. Having already set a record rookie season after being picked from University of Miami, Devin Hester traveled back to his alma mater city to face off against the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLI. The whistle blew, the Colts kicked off to the Bears and Hester took it 92 yards up the Hard Rock Stadium turf to give Chicago a touchdown from the opening kick off. It’s the only time it’s been done in Super Bowl history, and with the NFL having tightened restrictions around returns due to safety concerns, Hester’s record may never be broken. The Colts went on to prevail 29-17, but Chicago have always kept an eye on kick returning as a specialism since; Johnny Knox, Tarik Cohen and Cordarrelle Patterson have all scored from returns in years subsequent.

 The 1965 draft

 Drafting has been an issue in recent years for the Bears. Although we’ve reported that Roquan Smith continues to be quietly one of the best linebackers in the league, few will let Pace forget he traded up to take Mitchell Trubisky ahead of Patrick Mahomes. The 1965 draft saw Halas take Dick Butkus and Gale Sayers, arguably second and third in the Bears’ pantheon of greats behind Sweetness himself. If new GM Poles could do that, Chicago will be saying his name in awed tones 60 years from now, too. 

 There might be some green shoots for the Bears; Fields is now the undisputed starter, RB David Montgomery is a stud, and young receiver Darnell Mooney continues to progress. Chicago can make moves happen with $22.5m in cap space at the time of writing. It’s notable that in the 1922 season, while the Bears didn’t win the title, the Packers – playing that season as the Green Bay Blues – finished a distant eighth, winning only four of ten. Would Chicago fans take that for this season? Absolutely

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White Sox’ Liam Hendriks ‘where we expect to be’ recovering from forearm strain

Closer Liam Hendriks said he ”recovered well” from playing catch Monday, his first time throwing since going on the injured list with a strained flexor in his forearm June 14.

”Everything is exactly where we are expecting it to be,” Hendriks said. ”Now the challenge on my behalf tends to convince them that I can come back quicker than they are trying to let me.”

General manager Rick Hahn said a three-week absence was a good approximation, but Hendriks has been stumping for July 1, which is a few days shy of that.

”The 27th is when I’m available to come off the IL,” Hendriks said. ”And so that’s the date we have in mind and hopefully . . . some more days off in there to make sure that it’s healing up right. But the biggest thing is throwing, recovering and not losing range of motion, not losing strength or not losing anything like that.”

Moncada downplays hamstring

Third baseman Yoan Moncada said he’ll start taking batting practice ”in a couple of days” and doesn’t think his minor hamstring strain will keep him sidelined past his 10-day stay on the IL.

”I don’t think it’s anything serious that’s going to take a long time,” said Moncada, who went on the IL on Monday, retroactive to Saturday. ”It isn’t a bad one.”

Moncada has dealt with hamstring issues before, and he was on the IL with a strained oblique muscle and missed games because of a sore quad this season.

He was asked whether he’ll reconsider his training methods.

”Honestly, I just work hard,” Moncada said. ”I don’t know how you can do this without working hard.”

Moncada was in a seasonlong slump but had five hits, including a home run, and five RBI the game before he got hurt.

Jimenez starts rehab again

Outfielder Eloy Jimenez returned to action at Triple-A Charlotte after his rehab assignment was paused June 10. Jimenez, who is recovering from surgery to repair a hamstring tendon behind his right knee, went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts as the designated hitter.

o Hahn said catcher Yasmani Grandal responded well to treatment on his lower back and ”is going to begin ramping up his baseball activities in the next couple of days.”

Hahn called Grandal’s progress good, but he didn’t have a timeframe for his return.

Anderson second in All-Star voting

The Sox’ Tim Anderson (528,278) is second in All-Star balloting among American League shortstops behind the Blue Jays’ Bo Bichette (585,744). The Red Sox’ Xander Bogaerts is third (525,202).

Vaughn in select company

Outfielder/designated hitter Andrew Vaughn, who had four hits Monday, is the fifth Sox player since 1999 to record three or more four-hit games in an 18-game span, joining Anderson (three in 2020), Jose Abreu (four in 2017), Melky Cabrera (three in 2017) and Chris Singleton (three in 1999).

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How optioning Caleb Kilian affects the Cubs rotation

PITTSBURGH – The Cubs optioned top pitching prospect Caleb Kilian to Triple-A on Tuesday, after his second rough start in a row. But more went into the decision than a couple box scores.

“It’s twofold,” Cubs manager David Ross. “We need protection, and I think Caleb has got a few things we need him to work on and come back and be a better version of himself. We’ve seen some flashes but just get him back on track a little bit.”

Injuries to the big-league staff pushed both of Kilian’s call-ups ahead of schedule. And he’s been working to make his delivery more consistent.

“There’s a lot going on in my head, a lot I’m working on,” Kilian said after allowing five earned runs in 2 1/3 innings against the Pirates on Monday. “So maybe that’s part of it.”

As Ross said: “Working on things at this level and putting the pressure on yourself is not always the easiest spot to do it.”

As for the “protection,” Ross referenced, since MLB implemented the twice-delayed 13-pitcher roster limit, the Cubs have one less pitcher to help them weather short starts.

It’s too early to say who will take Kilian’s next turn in the rotation, Ross said.

The Cubs have options. They recalled right-hander Mark Leiter Jr. from Triple-A as the corresponding move Tuesday. But Alec Mills also threw 4 1/3 innings Monday, so unless the Cubs use him for length out of the bullpen in the next few days, he’d be on schedule to replace Kilian.

The Cubs have three starters on 15-day IL. Lefty Wade Miley (left shoulder strain) hasn’t started throwing yet. But southpaw Drew Smyly (right oblique) threw a bullpen Tuesday, and on Wednesday right-hander Marcus Stroman (right shoulder strain) is scheduled to throw his first bullpen since landing on the IL.

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Josh Groban gains new perspective on life, making music after COVID and two-year pandemic hiatus

Mere days before the first show of his 27-city North American run, Josh Groban was stuck in bed, recovering from a recent bout with COVID-19.

“My first rehearsal for this new tour will just happen to coincide with our first concert, which is not the most ideal scenario,” the global superstar told the Sun-Times from the comfort of his Los Angeles-based bedroom. “I’ve luckily done about 1,500 concerts in my life and I sort of remember what those are supposed to feel like.”

The 41-year-old doesn’t seem fazed at all about the direness of his current circumstances, and certainly has no apprehension about putting on his always-dynamic live show on June 25 at the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Tinley Park.

“I think that is one of the silver linings about the last two years,” says the multi-platinum award-winning singer-songwriter. “There just isn’t that much to be stressed about…until there is. I think that if there’s any small lemonade to be made out of the enormous traumatic lemons of the last couple years, it’s perspective.”

And for Groban, that perspective has allowed the four-time Grammy Award-nominated singer of chart-topping hits such as “You Raise Me Up” and “Believe” to develop a whole new relationship with the work he has gifted the world with since first being discovered by uber producer-composer David Foster back in 1997.

“I no longer sweat the small stuff,” says Groban, who still believes he owes “his entire career” to the generosity of Oprah Winfrey, as he was a frequent guest on her long-running Chicago gabfest. “Now, I let myself smell the roses and just let myself enjoy it all, because at the end of the day, nothing else matters.”

He, too, has established a deeper connection with and gratitude for the fans that not only have been with him since the beginning, but the ones who found themselves clinging specifically to his vast catalog of music over the past few years.

“Everyone had a soundtrack that got them through a lot of very serious stuff these last couple years, and some of those soundtracks included some of my music,” says Groban. “So now I see these concerts as a way to together have a cathartic exorcism of sorts from some of those darker moments, you know?And then, we can move on and have a real good time.”

Groban is the first to admit that there were days he had his doubts that he would ever get the chance to not only make, but tour, the music that makes up his 2020 album “Harmony.”

“‘Harmony’ became something I just wanted to release because I just loved it,” Groban remembers of his ninth studio album which includes collaborations with stellar artists such as Leslie Odom Jr., Sara Bareilles and Kirk Franklin.

“We were going to work with musicians all over the world through the power of the internet and technology, and then we are going to be on ‘The Today Show’ from Zoom in the corner of my bedroom, which I hope to never have to do again, as fun as it was to not wear pants on ‘The Today Show.’ [Laughs] I hope to not have to drop an album in the middle of an abyss like that again.”

He draws in a deep breath, and then continues.

“We loved making this record in the middle of a really weird time. But yeah, we thought maybe we would just put it out and then get started on the next project. The fact that we are out here this summer playing this music is something we aren’t taking for granted.

“I’m going to have to remind myself to sing because I haven’t been around people in two years,” Groban continues, with a chuckle. He’ll be joined in Chicago by openers Preservation Hall Jazz Band and singer-songwriter Eleri Ward.

“Just to be in front of people who are listening to me and held captive while I regurgitate Dad jokes that I’ve learned over the last year is going to be cool. [Laughs] I feel sorry for them, but I’m grateful for them.”

So, what’s next for Groban after this tour?

“I was looking up farms today,” he says, laughing. “I want Golden Retrievers and pigs. I guess I just want nothing but a bunch of knucklehead animals to come kiss me at the end of the day. [Laughs] Maybe someday…who knows.”

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High school basketball: Simeon seniors Miles and Wes Rubin commit to Loyola

Rising prospects meet rising program.

Miles and Wes Rubin, Simeon’s literal “twin towers,” are headed to Loyola.

The 6-9 twin brothers have committed to head coach Drew Valentine in what is a recruiting coup for a red-hot program making the move up to the Atlantic 10 Conference.

The distance, coaching staff and winning pedigree of Loyola won out over a growing list of suitors. But the fact the Rubin brothers could play their college basketball together — and Loyola wanted them to play together — was also paramount.

“It was definitely a big deal for us,” Wes said of both brothers being offered by the same school. “We have been playing together our whole lives. We are close off the court, but we have great chemistry playing together on it, so it was a big part of this decision process.”

Playing in front of family and friends was important, so the close proximity to Loyola was a big plus.

“It’s close to home so we are excited about our friends and family being there to see us play,” Wes said.

The coaching staff also impressed both brothers.

“The staff recruited us both very hard,” Miles said. “They understood us, understood what we were looking for and as players.”

Both Miles and Wes said the recruiting process was at times difficult, partly due to the close bond the brothers share and wanting to continue that at the next level. That’s why it was so important to be able to play together in college and what made recruiting a bit more stressful.

Simeon’s Miles Rubin (24) grabs a rebound and looks to pass against Plainfield North.

Allen Cunningham/For the Sun-Times

The Rubin brothers were waiting for a program that was as excited about them as they were about the program. The Loyola coaching staff shared those thoughts and won them over.

“We loved the coaching staff,” Wes said. “It’s the youngest staff in the country, so it’s not hard to connect with them.”

The rise of both Miles and Wesley Rubin, both in their development and as prospects, has been considerably noticeable over the past year. There is a lot to like. They’ve made vast improvements, both with their game and productivity over the past year. The big man tandem helped Simeon to 28 wins and Class 3A fourth-place finish a year ago as double-figure scorers.

While Miles has been a top 10 fixture this past year in the City/Suburban Hoops Report’s Class of 2023 rankings, Wes has followed and is now pushing his way towards top 10 status.

The two brothers complement one another so well as projected big men.

Miles is a long, active, athletic big who can run the floor and finish. He’s a hard-nosed, defensive-minded 5-man who brings so much versatility to the defensive end of the floor. Plus, his offensive game continues to grow.

Wesley has the potential to be a valuable 4-man with skill and versatility. He shows hints of shooting range out to the three-point line while being able to put it on the floor in small doses.

Both are still growing, developing physically and have enormous upside, which is exciting for any college program to see a year out from setting foot on campus.

Loyola has been on a meteoric rise over the past five years, first under Porter Moser and now continuing with Valentine.

“Their winning culture really mattered,” Wes said.

The Ramblers, who went to a Final Four in 2018, have averaged 25 wins a year over the past five seasons while in the Missouri Valley Conference. Now Loyola takes a big step up in joining the Atlantic 10 Conference this year.

“I feel like the move to that conference is good for us and the program,” Miles said. “It’s a better conference, better players, more competitive.”

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Is a Rudy Gobert trade picking up steam for Chicago Bulls?

The Chicago Bulls have been connected to Rudy Gobert ahead of the 2022 NBA Draft but will the trade actually happen?

Rudy Gobert’s name has been linked to the Chicago Bulls for quite some time now. This connection was born out of the Bulls’ need to strengthen their frontcourt and rumors that Gobert is unhappy with the Utah Jazz. The idea of Gobert being traded to the Bulls seems more and more like a real possibility every day. Although the Bulls are rumored to be interested in players like John Collins and Mitchell Robinson, Gobert is likely their first target.

This quote from Matt Moore makes a Bulls and Jazz trade sound almost more likely than not.

If Rudy Gobert is no longer on the Utah Jazz at the beginning of next season, it’s likely because he has been traded to Chicago. Such a trade would likely send Nikola Vucevic and other assets to the Utah Jazz. The most talked-about trade chip in the Bulls’ possession is the 20-year-old, Patrick Williams. It will be interesting to see if the Bulls have any intention of parting with him. The Bulls will likely need to give up several pieces in order to land Gobert.

Marc Stein’s quote further emphasizes that Chicago is the most likely landing spot for Rudy Gobert.

Potential trade packages for Rudy Gobert will likely include some combination of Nikola Vucevic, Coby White, Troy Brown, and the 18th overall pick. The Bulls were reluctant to trade Patrick Williams at last season’s trade deadline. That leads me to believe that the Bulls will take the same stance this offseason.

With the NBA Draft taking place this week, it is likely that the Bulls will make a move in the very near future. Between Ayo Dosumnu’s pleasant overachievement and Arturas Karnisovas’s track record of finding talent late in the draft, I could definitely see the Bulls parting ways with this year’s first-round pick. 

It will be interesting to see how the Bulls navigate the days leading up to the draft and the rest of this offseason.

Make sure to check out our Bulls forum for the latest on the team.

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Top 5 Chicago Bears players that can make or break 2022 season

The Chicago Bears have a young roster and a new coaching regime this season. Elite veterans like Allen Robinson and Khalil Mack left the Bears this offseason. Young players and the veterans still on the roster will have to elevate their game for the Bears to stay competitive this year.

In the upcoming pages, I preview the top five Bears players whose success on the field can decide where the Bears are drafting next April. The list includes youthful and veteran bears alike.

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Make sure to check out our Bears forum for the latest on the team.

Cairo Santos Chicago Bears Darnell Mooney Eddie Jackson Justin Fields Roquan Smith

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