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Its name is provocative, its conceit simple. The filmmakers invited to participate in Destroy Your Art must adhere to just a few requirements.

“The only prompt we give to the filmmakers beyond, ‘Hey, do you want to make an original film and destroy it?’ is it’s got to be five minutes or less,” says Rebecca Fons, who cofounded the event in 2017 with her husband, Jack C. Newell.

A filmmaker’s goal is typically to make a film and then permeate it endlessly; nowadays audiences expect to view on demand, the idea that something may not be available to them almost unfathomable. What if those presumptions were put aside? 

“There’s two things that we’re interested in: one is, what would that do to the filmmaker?” says Newell, himself a filmmaker and program director of the Harold Ramis Film School at the Second City. (Fons is the director of programming at the Gene Siskel Film Center.) “How would you make a film if you knew that it was only going to be screened once to this specific group of people and then you were going to destroy it?”

“The other question is, what does the audience do, knowing that they’re going to watch something that this is the only time they can engage with it?”

At Destroy Your Art, taking place this year at the Music Box Theatre on Thursday, August 25, at 7 PM, the four invited filmmakers will each screen a film they made specifically for the event; after that, they’ll burn the hard drive on which it’s contained in front of the audience using a blowtorch. 

Past methods have included shredding (which required an industrial shredder rented from Iowa) and destruction via a custom-made vicelike contraption attached to a table; in 2019, the last year the event was held before the pandemic delayed its fourth edition, the method was also burning, which Newell says they returned to because it’s inherently primal. 

Indeed, the event itself is a response to more structured methods of viewing that often lend themselves to viewers becoming passive, diverting their attention away from what’s taking place in front of them. 

“The invitation to an audience to really be present was exciting,” says Fons. “What does that kind of intentionality do? How does it change that experience and that transaction?”

Among the participating filmmakers, all Chicago-based or adjacent, responses ran the gamut. Lena Elmeligy, writer-director of the web series Ghareeb (available to view on Open Television), was drawn to the idea for fundamental reasons related to her love of filmmaking.

“What I’m most excited about with being a part of Destroy Your Art is the fact that its impermanence allows me to tap back into the aspects of filmmaking that I enjoy the most,” she says. “I’m less worried about it being a reflection of me and my career. I’m moreso invested in the process itself, and how it feels, and am I enjoying making this.”

Christopher Rejano, who primarily works as a cinematographer (he shot Jennifer Reeder’s Signature Move and Knives and Skin), was also inspired by experiences related to his craft. 

“When we’re on set and we’re trapped somewhere where we can’t break away, we tend to look at our phones a lot,” he hints about the inspiration for his film, an experimental narrative of sorts, “and our phones become our windows into what’s happening where we’re at.”

Two of the filmmakers, Dinesh Das Sabu and Yanyi Xie, were influenced by the pandemic, which has loomed large over in-person events such as this.

“Like a lot of filmmakers and just people in general, I’ve had just a deeply unproductive pandemic,” says Das Subu. “I thought that this could be something to kind of shock me out of that state and get me out in the world and making stuff again.”

That “stuff” sounds pretty ambitious. Though I was careful to avoid learning too much about the films, I was particularly intrigued when Das Subu, a film professor who previously worked for Kartemquin Films (he made a feature-length documentary, Unbroken Glass [2016], under its auspices), said that his short is “going to be [like] if Chris Marker was reading some of [the] phenomenological, kind-of digital technology theorists.” 

For Yanyi, who recently graduated from the Documentary Media MFA program at Northwestern and whose work explores gender, queer identity, and feminism in her native mainland China, it’s an exorcism of sorts. Her film utilizes no newly shot footage; instead, it’s culled from her personal archive of images captured during the pandemic.

“It’s a very unique experience, because I’m an international student,” she said, “and because of the pandemic I haven’t traveled back home for the past three years.”

She elaborates that it feels as if she’s been living in a transient phase for so long. “Maybe if I put that into a project and destroy it, then it just becomes a fleeting thing,” she says. “It’s like a resolution for myself as well.”

A throughline in the filmmakers’ responses to the prompt is one of relief, that the intention isn’t to create something meant to be “profitable or sellable,” as Elmeligy puts it, or even to exist past this one night. 

“I think that having the stakes lower a little bit allows me to tap back into that part of weaving a story together that felt so good to begin with,” she says.

Yanyi, who’s recently begun incorporating more experimental aspects into her practice, notes the opportunity to participate in and do new things. “I really like the performance nature of the event,” she says, “and I really like how experimental it allows me to be in making this piece.” 

Destroy Your ArtAugust 25, 7 PM; Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. SouthportGeneral admission $15, discount for Music Box memberswww.destroyyourart.commusicboxtheatre.com/films/destroy-your-art

The relationship between the filmmakers and the viewers is complicated here. The inherent impermanence of the project means that the dynamic is not guaranteed to be mutually satisfying, as commercial filmmaking endeavors to be. 

“In many ways it’s been liberating, because I don’t need to worry too much about what an audience is going to care about,” says Das Sabu. “I can only disappoint one audience with this thing. It’s freed me to pursue ideas and styles and take risks that I probably wouldn’t take in my more quote-unquote professional work.”

Ultimately, the experience is the thing—that what the filmmakers create and what viewers see will cease to exist thereafter. The concept still blows Fons’s mind. 

“We’re the ones in 2022 seeing these four films, and no one else on the face of the planet, ever, will ever, ever see this movie by Dinesh again—including Dinesh!” she says. “That gives me goosebumps.”

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One thing the Chicago Bulls were desperately missing last season was a physical presence on the offensive glass to back up Nikola Vucevic.

All year, they struggled in that department. Tony Bradley and Tristan Thompson simply didn’t cut it.

This coming season, that looks to change. Veteran center Andre Drummond signed with Chicago and now offers the team just what they needed.

Drummond has been one of the best rebounders in the league since his career began in 2013. Boasting four seasons of over 15 rebounds per game back in his prime days with Detroit, Drummond is now relegated to a bench role in which he’s still very effective.

He’s been so effective, still, that he’s confident he’ll go down as one of the all-time greats.

Chicago Bulls big man Andre Drummond recently stated that he believes he’s the greatest rebounder ever.

In a conversation he had with Mike Anthony from CT Insider, Drummond had this interesting tidbit to say in regards to being in the conversation for greatest rebounder of all-time:

“I think I’m already there. I’m on my way. By the time I retire, I’ll go down as the best rebounder ever — if not already.”

Those are some bold words, especially playing for a team that once saw the likes of Dennis Rodman dominate alongside Michael Jordan. Rodman is widely thought of as the best rebounder of all time and, if Drummond believes he’s already the greatest in NBA history, that would mean putting himself ahead of Rodman.

Now, Kurt Helin of NBC Sports did point out a great set of numbers. Drummond is, indeed, the all-time leader in NBA rebounding percentage at 24.7 percent. Rebounding percentage is essentially the percentage of available rebounds one could come down with.

Rodman’s all-time percentage sits at 23.4, by comparison. So, in a way, Drummond could be right. But, it depends on how you classify “greatest rebounder of all-time.” There are a lot of different numbers you could look at, such as offensive rebounds in particular.

You could also look at the single-greatest season in league history when it comes to rebound percentage, and that’s a record held by Rodman with 29.7 percent back in ’94-’95.

Regardless of opinion on the matter, though, it is clear that the Bulls were able to fill a huge void by signing Drummond. He’ll end up as one of the most underrated free agent signings around the league this year.

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Its name is provocative, its conceit simple. The filmmakers invited to participate in Destroy Your Art must adhere to just a few requirements.

“The only prompt we give to the filmmakers beyond, ‘Hey, do you want to make an original film and destroy it?’ is it’s got to be five minutes or less,” says Rebecca Fons, who cofounded the event in 2017 with her husband, Jack C. Newell.

A filmmaker’s goal is typically to make a film and then permeate it endlessly; nowadays audiences expect to view on demand, the idea that something may not be available to them almost unfathomable. What if those presumptions were put aside? 

“There’s two things that we’re interested in: one is, what would that do to the filmmaker?” says Newell, himself a filmmaker and program director of the Harold Ramis Film School at the Second City. (Fons is the director of programming at the Gene Siskel Film Center.) “How would you make a film if you knew that it was only going to be screened once to this specific group of people and then you were going to destroy it?”

“The other question is, what does the audience do, knowing that they’re going to watch something that this is the only time they can engage with it?”

At Destroy Your Art, taking place this year at the Music Box Theatre on Thursday, August 25, at 7 PM, the four invited filmmakers will each screen a film they made specifically for the event; after that, they’ll burn the hard drive on which it’s contained in front of the audience using a blowtorch. 

Past methods have included shredding (which required an industrial shredder rented from Iowa) and destruction via a custom-made vicelike contraption attached to a table; in 2019, the last year the event was held before the pandemic delayed its fourth edition, the method was also burning, which Newell says they returned to because it’s inherently primal. 

Indeed, the event itself is a response to more structured methods of viewing that often lend themselves to viewers becoming passive, diverting their attention away from what’s taking place in front of them. 

“The invitation to an audience to really be present was exciting,” says Fons. “What does that kind of intentionality do? How does it change that experience and that transaction?”

Among the participating filmmakers, all Chicago-based or adjacent, responses ran the gamut. Lena Elmeligy, writer-director of the web series Ghareeb (available to view on Open Television), was drawn to the idea for fundamental reasons related to her love of filmmaking.

“What I’m most excited about with being a part of Destroy Your Art is the fact that its impermanence allows me to tap back into the aspects of filmmaking that I enjoy the most,” she says. “I’m less worried about it being a reflection of me and my career. I’m moreso invested in the process itself, and how it feels, and am I enjoying making this.”

Christopher Rejano, who primarily works as a cinematographer (he shot Jennifer Reeder’s Signature Move and Knives and Skin), was also inspired by experiences related to his craft. 

“When we’re on set and we’re trapped somewhere where we can’t break away, we tend to look at our phones a lot,” he hints about the inspiration for his film, an experimental narrative of sorts, “and our phones become our windows into what’s happening where we’re at.”

Two of the filmmakers, Dinesh Das Sabu and Yanyi Xie, were influenced by the pandemic, which has loomed large over in-person events such as this.

“Like a lot of filmmakers and just people in general, I’ve had just a deeply unproductive pandemic,” says Das Subu. “I thought that this could be something to kind of shock me out of that state and get me out in the world and making stuff again.”

That “stuff” sounds pretty ambitious. Though I was careful to avoid learning too much about the films, I was particularly intrigued when Das Subu, a film professor who previously worked for Kartemquin Films (he made a feature-length documentary, Unbroken Glass [2016], under its auspices), said that his short is “going to be [like] if Chris Marker was reading some of [the] phenomenological, kind-of digital technology theorists.” 

For Yanyi, who recently graduated from the Documentary Media MFA program at Northwestern and whose work explores gender, queer identity, and feminism in her native mainland China, it’s an exorcism of sorts. Her film utilizes no newly shot footage; instead, it’s culled from her personal archive of images captured during the pandemic.

“It’s a very unique experience, because I’m an international student,” she said, “and because of the pandemic I haven’t traveled back home for the past three years.”

She elaborates that it feels as if she’s been living in a transient phase for so long. “Maybe if I put that into a project and destroy it, then it just becomes a fleeting thing,” she says. “It’s like a resolution for myself as well.”

A throughline in the filmmakers’ responses to the prompt is one of relief, that the intention isn’t to create something meant to be “profitable or sellable,” as Elmeligy puts it, or even to exist past this one night. 

“I think that having the stakes lower a little bit allows me to tap back into that part of weaving a story together that felt so good to begin with,” she says.

Yanyi, who’s recently begun incorporating more experimental aspects into her practice, notes the opportunity to participate in and do new things. “I really like the performance nature of the event,” she says, “and I really like how experimental it allows me to be in making this piece.” 

Destroy Your ArtAugust 25, 7 PM; Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. SouthportGeneral admission $15, discount for Music Box memberswww.destroyyourart.commusicboxtheatre.com/films/destroy-your-art

The relationship between the filmmakers and the viewers is complicated here. The inherent impermanence of the project means that the dynamic is not guaranteed to be mutually satisfying, as commercial filmmaking endeavors to be. 

“In many ways it’s been liberating, because I don’t need to worry too much about what an audience is going to care about,” says Das Sabu. “I can only disappoint one audience with this thing. It’s freed me to pursue ideas and styles and take risks that I probably wouldn’t take in my more quote-unquote professional work.”

Ultimately, the experience is the thing—that what the filmmakers create and what viewers see will cease to exist thereafter. The concept still blows Fons’s mind. 

“We’re the ones in 2022 seeing these four films, and no one else on the face of the planet, ever, will ever, ever see this movie by Dinesh again—including Dinesh!” she says. “That gives me goosebumps.”

Read More

The kids are back to school. You can finally get your life back, especially after all that stay-at-home stuff during Covid. Then, what’s better than a parent’s night off to rekindle the romance with your partner or meet up with your fellow mommy friends and blow off some stress? Whether you’re looking for stiff drinks or live music, these best bars and restaurants in Chicago are ready to pamper you for your hard work.

2429 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

This Michelin-starred Middle Eastern restaurant in Chicago is perfect for a casual date night or for those who are trying to check out a tasting menu without breaking the bank. Priced at $78.00 per person, the menu focuses on a seasonal and localized Midwest approach to dishes of the Middle East. The four-course tasting menu allows diners to choose their adventure and diners can choose from a variety of dishes.

845 W Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607

El Che Steakhouse & Bar is Executive Chef/Partner John Manion’s homage to Argentina’s beloved asados, traditional backyard barbecues featuring platters of rustic flame-finished grilled beef. Located on the edge of the West Loop’s famed “restaurant row,” El Che has built a reputation as Chicago’s go-to destination for beef, South American wines and live-fire cooking.

4229 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

A destination neighborhood restaurant, Robert Et Fils is intimate in scale and quaint in detail, infused with the elegance of classic French cuisine and the joy of dining like a Parisian. On Wednesdays through Sundays, diners can enjoy Parisian drinking fare and buy-one-get-one wines from 3:00pm to 5:00pm. Diners can make reservations on Tock and walk-ins are encouraged.

3335 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657

Located in the heart of Northalsted, this six-time Michelin Bib Gourmand Winner is redefining what it means to be an upscale neighborhood restaurant by creating a comfortable space to expand the diner’s taste palates. Diners can enjoy a variety of seasonal small and large plates. The expansive menu allows there to be something for everyone. Thus, Wood can be the place for a parent’s night off, or just a new monthly date spot. Your pick!

Image Credit: SafeHouse Chicago

60 E. Ontario, Chicago, Illinois 60611

We all know SafeHouse Chicago serves up some innovative and sharable libations. And this Back-to-School season, they have something for the parents! A nod to our school days, the “A is For Agent”cocktail is made with Knob Creek Rye, Apple Pucker, Lemon Juice, and Simple Syrup, topped with an apple slice… And yes, you’ve guessed it: this drink is definitely nice and strong for parents who have had a, let’s just say, non-stop summer 🙂

12 W Elm St, Chicago, IL 60610

Enjoy an elegant parent’s night off at Sparrow, pampering yourself with Cuban flair, rum cocktails, and craft beer in this 1927 art deco building. Originally designed to be an escape for residents looking for a nightcap or late night rendezvous, the barkeeps here have been privy to intimate dialogue, essentially becoming the building’s concierge. If you’re looking to get away from your daily chaos as a parent, there honestly is no better destination in Chicago than Sparrow!

837 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607

Beer, pork, and oysters. Did we mention delicious drinks, too? Plus, The Publican has earlier hours compared to most other bars and restaurants around. Therefore, it is a perfect getaway spot for parents since you all need to resume your routine the next day, getting your kiddos ready for school.

2456 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

If you’re looking for somewhere slow, chill, and cozy for a night away from the kids, come to Soif in Logan Square. No need to go extravagant. Sip on some delicious wine and munch on their delicious small bites. Sometimes that’s all a mom wants, am I right? Whether you’re into white, red, or bubbles, Soif has something for you. Also, we highly recommend their meat and cheese board!

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Over the first year and a half of his career, Chicago Bears offensive lineman Teven Jenkins has endured a tough beginning.

After being drafted high in the second round, Jenkins found out he was going to miss most of his rookie season due to a nagging back injury. Appearing in just six games as a rookie, Jenkins flashed some of the great things we saw from him at Oklahoma State.

This offseason, under a new regime, the Bears seemed to shift on Jenkins a bit — or at least, according to some rumors. Ryan Poles, being a former offensive lineman and not having invested in Jenkins as his draft pick, had to decide which way he was going to go with the young lineman.

With a plethora of unproven, young options on this line, the Bears coaching staff have tried many guys at different positions throughout camp. But, when camp kicked off, one of them was missing: Jenkins. Then, the trade rumors began surfacing. Would the Bears try and trade Jenkins because of the thought that he wasn’t fitting in with the new regime?

Jenkins finally returned to practice on August 6, after a mysterious injury kept him out the beginning of training camp, and just a week later, played in the preseason opener. Fast forward just a week after his preseason debut, and Jenkins has taken on the role of starting right guard.

Teven Jenkins put himself on a fast track to earn the starting right guard position for the Chicago Bears.

After all of the drama and rumors, Jenkins is now starting for the Bears. Whether or not it’s in order to draw interest of other teams in a potential trade doesn’t necessarily matter at the moment.

What matters is that Jenkins has played and practiced well, and his teammates and coaches have taken notice.

Running back David Montgomery has nothing but positive to say about Jenkins:

“He doesn’t complain. He comes to work every day. I never heard him say anything negative in any way necessary. Every time I talk to Tev, it’s always, ‘I’m trying to get better, trying to improve myself so I can be the best version of myself.’ That’s super refreshing to see from somebody who kinda handled the level of adversity that he did handle his first year.”

It’s not just Montgomery, but head coach Matt Eberflus who is noticing Jenkins’ success and giving him proper credit. When speaking with reporters Saturday afternoon, Eberflus was asked if he could take pride in what he and the staff have been able to do with Jenkins and the success the young player has had.

Eberflus immediately reverted the credit back to Jenkins saying that first and foremost, the credit goes to “the player” and not the coaches. Eberflus talked about Jenkins’ play, practice and how he’s handled himself throughout the past few weeks and gave him all of the credit for where he’s currently at.

If he continues to play well and earns that starting right guard spot, then much of the offseason narratives can be put to bed. The fact is, Jenkins was a highly-touted prospect last year and comes with a whole lot of talent and potential.

Getting the most out of a guy who has that type of ceiling is a win. If the Bears hang onto him, Jenkins could prove he was well-worth keeping.

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The 2022 NBA draft is in the rearview mirror, summer league has come and gone and most free agents have inked new deals. LeBron James inked a two-year, $97.1 million extension with the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday ahead of his fifth season with the franchise, which will mark his longest tenure with a team since he spent the first seven years of his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Several other vets around the league signed extensions, including Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden, Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard and Washington Wizards point guard Bradley Beal, as well as Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine. The 2022 NBA All-Stars Devin Booker, Karl-Anthony Towns and reigning MVP Nikola Jokic all signed supermax extensions to remain with the Phoenix Suns, Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets, respectively. The 2019 draft class also saw big paydays, as Ja Morant, Zion Williamson and Darius Garland all signed rookie extensions.

Some notable names opted to change teams, including former Dallas Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson, who signed a four-year, $014 million deal with the New York Knicks. And the Utah Jazz sent shock waves throughout the league when they traded big man Rudy Gobert, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year, to Minnesota.

Will Gobert’s former teammate Donovan Mitchell join Brunson in New York? And what about the other team in New York? Will Kevin Durant start the season in a Brooklyn Nets jersey? Our NBA insiders break down where every team stands after a wild free agency spree, plus which questions remain ahead of the 2022-23 season.

Note: These rankings are based on where the members of our panel (ESPN’s Kendra Andrews, Tim Bontemps, Jamal Collier, Nick Friedell, Andrew Lopez and Kevin Pelton) think teams belong heading into next season, taking into account potential player movement. Title odds for 2023 by Caesars Sportsbook.

ESPN Illustration

1. Golden State WarriorsPost-Finals ranking: 12023 title odds: +550

The Warriors lost Gary Payton II and Otto Porter Jr., but they brought in Donte DiVincenzo and JaMychal Green — two players that, on paper, fit the Warriors’ system. If they look as good with Golden State in reality as they do hypothetically — in addition to their youngsters taking the next step and their core remaining the same — the Warriors should be just as dangerous in 2022-23. — Andrews

2. Boston CelticsPost-Finals ranking: 22023 title odds: +450

After struggling offensively during the playoffs, Boston added two significant weapons — guard Malcolm Brogdon and forward Danilo Gallinari — without sacrificing a single player from the eight-man rotation that got the Celtics to last season’s NBA Finals. Barring any blockbuster moves, Boston will go into next season as one of the deepest teams in the NBA. — Bontemps

2 Related

3. Milwaukee BucksPost-Finals ranking: 32023 title odds: +800

Would the Bucks have made it back to the NBA Finals if Khris Middleton had been healthy for their second-round matchup with the Celtics? We’ll never know the answer, but Milwaukee is bringing back virtually its entire roster — the Bucks re-signed Bobby Portis, Pat Connaughton, Wesley Matthews and Jevon Carter. The Bucks did add Joe Ingles, who will be 35 in October and is coming off an ACL tear, but if he can bounce back to his pre-injury form he could add some much-needed wing depth. — Collier

4. Memphis GrizzliesPost-Finals ranking: 42023 title odds: +2000

Memphis’ biggest move of the offseason was landing a full five-year max deal for superstar guard Ja Morant. Signing his backup, Tyus Jones, on a new deal was no small feat, either. The impact of losing Kyle Anderson, a key part of their frontcourt rotation, will be one to monitor next season. — Bontemps

5. Phoenix SunsPost-Finals ranking: 72023 title odds: +800

What happens when Deandre Ayton returns to camp? The big man signed an offer sheet with the Indiana Pacers during free agency, but that deal was quickly matched by the Suns. Ayton averaged 17.2 points and 10.2 rebounds last season and has averaged a double-double in each of his four seasons in the league. Now, he gets the chance to continue building with the Suns, who are coming off a league-best 64 wins. — Lopez

6. LA ClippersPost-Finals ranking: 82023 title odds: +800

With Kawhi Leonard returning, the Clippers have put together one of the most expensive rosters in NBA history by re-signing Nicolas Batum and Amir Coffey, extending Ivica Zubac with a raise and adding John Wall. The Clippers do have one spot remaining for a training-camp battle, which could go to a replacement for departed Isaiah Hartenstein as a backup to Zubac in the middle. — Pelton

7. Miami HeatPost-Finals ranking: 62023 title odds: +1400

Losing P.J. Tucker hurts — he was popular in the locker room and an important piece of a team that came within a couple plays of making the Finals. The Heat did re-sign Victor Oladipo and Dewayne Dedmon, but they have not found that extra piece that would help push them over the top in the East. The rumor mill will continue to connect them to Kevin Durant and Donovan Mitchell, but it remains to be seen if they have the pieces to make either deal a reality. — Friedell

8. Dallas MavericksPost-Finals ranking: 52023 title odds: +2200

While the Mavericks traded for Christian Wood and signed JaVale McGee to dramatically change the look of their frontcourt, the move that will hang over Dallas heading into next season is Jalen Brunson leaving to sign with the Knicks. Now, Dallas will enter training camp with just two ball handlers on their roster — though they are two pretty good ones in superstar Luka Doncic and 2021-22 midseason trade acquisition Spencer Dinwiddie. — Bontemps

9. Denver NuggetsPost-Finals ranking: 92023 title odds: +2000

The Nuggets will finally be healthy next season with the return of Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., which should help Denver take a step forward. The loss of Monte Morris stings, but acquiring Ish Smith as a backup point guard helps. Signing Bruce Brown and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope puts more impact players around two-time MVP Nikola Jokic. — Andrews

10. Philadelphia 76ersPost-Finals ranking: 112023 title odds: +1600

The 76ers knew they needed to shore up some weaknesses this offseason, namely athleticism, rebounding and toughness. By adding De’Anthony Melton, Danuel House Jr. and P.J. Tucker, Philadelphia did just that. Those moves were made possible largely because James Harden took a pay cut, which signaled everyone in the franchise is pulling in the same direction. — Bontemps

11. Minnesota TimberwolvesPost-Finals ranking: 122023 title odds: +3500

The Timberwolves made the shocking move of the offseason when they unloaded several draft picks to bring in Rudy Gobert, arguably the NBA’s best defensive player, to pair with another All-NBA center in Karl-Anthony Towns. Between watching how well those two mesh and how budding star Anthony Edwards evolves, there will be few more intriguing teams to watch next season than Minnesota — a sentence that has rarely been said throughout the franchise’s 30-plus years. — Bontemps

12. Toronto RaptorsPost-Finals ranking: 152023 title odds: +2800

The Raptors didn’t make any waves this offseason, retaining Chris Boucher and Thaddeus Young to continue to boast a roster with as many interchangeable 6-foot-8 players as any team in the NBA. And while the ongoing drama surrounding Durant continues to linger around the franchise, it’s been made clear Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes won’t be part of any potential package. — Bontemps

o Rivalries on opening nighto Must-see Christmas Day lineupo Games you won’t want to miss o Videos: Top schedule release reactionso Full NBA schedule

13. Brooklyn NetsPost-Finals ranking: 102023 title odds: +1800

The summer of discontent continues for the Nets. Where Kevin Durant ultimately lands remains the single biggest question in the league — and Kyrie Irving‘s future in Brooklyn might be the second biggest. The Nets added Royce O’Neale and T.J. Warren and were able to retain Patty Mills and Nic Claxton. Brooklyn could have a dangerous roster in place if Ben Simmons can return to form next season — but Durant’s future hovers over everything. — Friedell

14. Chicago BullsPost-Finals ranking: 132023 title odds: +5000

Chicago made a few minor additions — veterans Andre Drummond and Goran Dragic — in free agency, but the health of Lonzo Ball will be perhaps their biggest storyline heading into training camp. The Bulls were a different team with Ball on the floor, but the club has remained vague about the status of his recovery from a season-ending left knee injury suffered in January. The Bulls are hopeful he will be ready for the start of camp. — Collier

15. Atlanta HawksPost-Finals ranking: 192023 title odds: +5500

The Hawks made one of the biggest splashes of the offseason in late June when they traded for All-Star guard Dejounte Murray for three first-round picks (two unprotected). Now the Hawks move forward with a backcourt of Murray and Trae Young. Atlanta also added Justin Holiday and Aaron Holiday in separate deals, reuniting two of the league’s three Holiday brothers while also picking up Frank Kaminsky. But all eyes will be on how Young and Murray mesh once training camp begins. — Lopez

16. New Orleans PelicansPost-Finals ranking: 162023 title odds: +3500

It’s been a relatively quiet offseason in New Orleans, aside from Zion Williamson inking a five-year designated rookie max extension. But that’s what happens when you enter the offseason with 14 guaranteed contracts and a first-rounder. The Pelicans selected Dyson Daniels with the No. 8 overall pick they received from the Lakers in the Anthony Davis deal. Now, the focus will be on Williamson getting up to speed after missing the entire 2021-22 season. — Lopez

17. Cleveland CavaliersPost-Finals ranking: 182023 title odds: +12500

The Cavs addressed a few items on their offseason checklist: signing Darius Garland to a five-year max extension, bringing back Ricky Rubio after his ACL tear in December and adding backup big Robin Lopez. Yet, Collin Sexton still remains unsigned after Cleveland extended a qualifying offer before the start of free agency, making him a restricted free agent. — Collier

18. Los Angeles LakersPost-Finals ranking: 172023 title odds: +950

The Lakers hired highly regarded Darvin Ham as coach and wisely prioritized youth in free agency, filling out their bench by signing Troy Brown Jr., Thomas Bryant, Damian Jones, Juan Toscano-Anderson and Lonnie Walker IV. After signing LeBron James to a two-year extension, can they now find a way to trade Russell Westbrook for Kyrie Irving? If not, Ham’s biggest challenge will be figuring out how Westbrook fits. — Pelton

19. Portland Trail BlazersPost-Finals ranking: 232023 title odds: +12500

The Blazers are hoping last year’s lottery trip was a gap year due to Damian Lillard’s abdominal surgery. They extended Lillard, dealt for starting forward Jerami Grant and re-signed Jusuf Nurkic and Anfernee Simons before signing Gary Payton II to strengthen the bench. Long term, No. 7 pick Shaedon Sharpe — sidelined minutes into an NBA Summer League title run — offers potential, but Portland’s vets will be counted on to deliver an improved season. — Pelton

20. New York KnicksPost-Finals ranking: 222023 title odds: +7500

The Knicks — finally — have a point guard of both the present and future, landing Jalen Brunson as a free agent and giving the team a much-needed floor general. Will the Knicks, who have the most to offer in a Donovan Mitchell trade, find a way to add the Westchester native, too? — Bontemps

21. Charlotte HornetsPost-Finals ranking: 202023 title odds: +25000

The Hornets re-signed Cody Martin to a four-year deal and drafted big man Mark Williams out of Duke — but the biggest news continues to revolve around Miles Bridges. The restricted free agent is facing three felony domestic violence charges and his future in the league is hazy at best. — Friedell

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22. Washington WizardsPost-Finals ranking: 242023 title odds: +50000

The Wizards re-signed Bradley Beal to a max deal and he remains the focal point of everything the organization does. Washington also snagged Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis with the 10th pick in the draft, which should help take some offensive pressure off Beal. They also signed big man Taj Gibson, who will fit nicely as a veteran presence in the locker room. — Friedell

23. Sacramento KingsPost-Finals ranking: 252023 title odds: +35000

“We’re getting 40 wins this year” is the rallying cry for Sacramento fans eager to crack the postseason for the first time since 2006. There’s reason to believe the play-in at minimum is possible after No. 4 pick Keegan Murray impressed as MVP of the NBA Summer League, and the Kings added Kevin Huerter (via trade) and Malik Monk (via free agency) to their backcourt. Optimism is justified for Mike Brown’s first season as coach. — Pelton

24. Detroit PistonsPost-Finals ranking: 272023 title odds: +50000

The Pistons came away from draft night feeling like one of the biggest winners in the league, landing guard Jaden Ivey at No. 5 and center Jalen Duren at No. 13. Together with Cade Cunningham, Saddiq Bey and Isaiah Stewart, they give Detroit a solid foundation. — Collier

25. Utah JazzPost-Finals ranking: 142023 title odds: +30000

After trading Rudy Gobert to Minnesota for a boatload of draft picks and mostly expiring contracts, it is a new era in Salt Lake City. The only question now is how much longer Donovan Mitchell will remain there — and how much the Jazz will get for him when he is inevitably moved. — Bontemps

26. San Antonio SpursPost-Finals ranking: 212023 title odds: +100000

The rebuild is a full-go in San Antonio. The Spurs dealt Dejounte Murray, let Lonnie Walker IV walk and waived Danilo Gallinari — the player they received in the Murray deal — outright. With three first-round picks, the Spurs added Baylor’s Jeremy Sochan, Ohio State’s Malaki Branham and Notre Dame’s Blake Wesley. All three players will be 19 when the season starts. The Spurs hope to have plenty of draft success in the future, especially after prying away three first-rounders from Atlanta in the Murray deal. — Lopez

27. Indiana PacersPost-Finals ranking: 262023 title odds: +50000

The Pacers launched further into full rebuild mode, trading Malcolm Brogdon to the Celtics in the latest move to accumulate assets. Drafting Bennedict Mathurin and adding Jalen Smith gives the Pacers more intriguing young players next to promising young guard Tyrese Haliburton. — Collier

28. Orlando MagicPost-Finals ranking: 302023 title odds: +100000

Orlando’s big decision came down during a dramatic draft night, when it selected Paolo Banchero with the No. 1 overall pick. The hope is that Banchero can develop into the face of the franchise star it hasn’t had since Dwight Howard. The Magic re-signed Mo Bamba and Gary Harris — now they have to hope Jonathan Isaac can still be a difference-maker as he returns from missing over two years because of a knee injury. — Friedell

29. Oklahoma City ThunderPost-Finals ranking: 282023 title odds: +50000

As usual, the Thunder were busy on draft night, making three of the first 12 picks. No. 2 selection Chet Holmgren showed his potential during summer league and immediately joins guards Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey in Oklahoma City’s core, while Ousmane Dieng and Jalen Williams give the Thunder two more promising wings. — Pelton

30. Houston RocketsPost-Finals ranking: 292023 title odds: +100000

The Rockets continued their youth movement by drafting a pair of forwards — Jabari Smith Jr. (third overall) and Tari Eason (17th) — in June’s draft. Smith now slots in alongside Jalen Green as the centerpieces of Houston’s rebuild in the post-James Harden era, as the Rockets will have a very young, yet intriguing roster to follow. — Bontemps

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The Chicago Cubs may not have swept the Milwaukee Brewers but they did have a lovely series against them. They aren’t going anywhere in the 2022 MLB season but they can impede their rivals and their chances of making it to the postseason.

Although they could not complete the sweep on Sunday, it was still a game that saw a significant milestone be reached by one of the key players on the squad. Ian Happ hit his 100th career home run early on in the ballgame.

Happ gave the Cubs a 1-0 lead with this solo shot but it wouldn’t stand to send them into a win. It was his 13th of the season which has been remarkable for him. He has been so good that he was a National League All-Star back in July.

This is a breakout year for him in all categories but he has always shown flashes of good power which is why he now has 100 big ones in the league. He should be very proud of this moment as few people get to hit one big league home run, let alone 100.

Ian Happ hit the 100th career home run and they’re all with the Chicago Cubs.

It seemed fairly obvious that the Chicago Cubs were going to trade Ian Happ before the deadline but they never did. He would have certainly made a contending team even better but he will remain a Cub for at least the rest of this season.

The Cubs have no obligation to keep him and they have no obligation to trade him. They will make whatever move they think is needed in order to give the team a better chance to win a lot in the future. As of right now, Happ is clearly a winning player.

He wasn’t the only one to homer for the Cubs in this loss to Milwaukee. Seiya Suzuki hit his 10th of the season. He only needs 90 more in order to catch Happ on the all-time Chicago Cubs list. Both of these guys could be on the next good Cubs team.

Happ and the Cubs have a big series this week. They will be trying to use their hot streak to play spoiler for another contending team in their division. They would love nothing more than to make life hard on the St. Louis Cardinals as they are headed to Wrigley for a big series.

If Happ and the squad play well here, they will stump the Cardinals who come into this series as the hottest team in the league (seven straight wins). They are trying to win a division and the Cubs are trying to spoil it. More big moments from Happ could go a long way towards that.

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Credit: Courtesy Red Hen Press

Hopefully you’ve been following our recent comics journalism pieces on art and artists created by Reader contributor and former Chicagoan Coco Picard (her latest, an interview with artist and professor Nick Cave, was in our August 18 issue). If you’re intrigued by Picard’s comics style, check out her debut novel The Healing Circle, a magical tale including a terminal diagnosis, motherhood, Munich, and an aloe plant called Madame Blavatsky. The book was released this month by California’s Red Hen Press, and Picard is back in town tonight to celebrate at the Comfort Station (2579 N. Milwaukee). The event includes a discussion led by writer Suzanne Scanlon with Picard, writer and violinist Tricia Park, and artist Anna Martine Whitehead, as well as a performance from musician and artist Todd Mattei and a “plant performance” from artist Dao Nguyen. The event runs from 6-9 PM, and it’s free to attend. (SCJ)

Barbara Hammer’s Nitrate Kisses is playing at the Gene Siskel Film Center (164 N. State) at 7 PM tonight as part of the center’s Pioneers of Queer Cinema. As I pointed out in my review of the series, the programming is most worthwhile for its openers–rarer shorts, many of which haven’t been digitized–but this feature is one of the lesser available and more experimental headliners. Barbara Hammer is one of the best-known lesbian filmmakers. Using a mix of archival footage, documentary footage, and interviews, she touches on the criminalization of varied sexual expressions over time as well as how racism, ageism, and other systems of oppression go unchecked within queer communities. She also celebrates the richness and complexity of queer experiences. The evening opens with works by Kenneth Anger, Mike Kuchar, and Zackary Drucker–all of which experiment with avant-garde documentary approaches to cultural history. Tickets are $12. Can’t make it? Catch the lineup again on Saturday 8/27 at 2 PM. (MC)

Excerpts from Zachary Drucker’s 2011 film At Least You Know You Exist

Chicago Movie Tours offers a free and entirely online look at the S.S. Eastland disaster, the 1915 shipwreck that resulted in the loss of over 800 passengers and crew after the ship rolled over onto its side while tied to a dock on the Chicago River. The tour company will offer a virtual presentation including insight from a cigar maker who lost family in the disaster, as well as recently unearthed film documenting the tragedy. It’s viewable on the Chicago Movie Tours Facebook page tonight at 7 PM. (SCJ)

The Promontory (5311 S. Lake Park Ave. West) offers some grit and glam in their programming tonight as they serve up a slate of local punk rock as part of Promontory Goes Punk. Expect loud and fun vibes as the bands We Weren’t Invited, Atheena, and Kangaroo Court take the stage; as well as Lollygagger, who Gossip Wolf singled out in July for their new album of “nine rippers” Total Party Kill. Doors open at 7 PM for this all-ages affair, and the music starts at 8 PM. Tickets are available via Eventbrite. (SCJ)

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Credit: Courtesy Red Hen Press

Hopefully you’ve been following our recent comics journalism pieces on art and artists created by Reader contributor and former Chicagoan Coco Picard (her latest, an interview with artist and professor Nick Cave, was in our August 18 issue). If you’re intrigued by Picard’s comics style, check out her debut novel The Healing Circle, a magical tale including a terminal diagnosis, motherhood, Munich, and an aloe plant called Madame Blavatsky. The book was released this month by California’s Red Hen Press, and Picard is back in town tonight to celebrate at the Comfort Station (2579 N. Milwaukee). The event includes a discussion led by writer Suzanne Scanlon with Picard, writer and violinist Tricia Park, and artist Anna Martine Whitehead, as well as a performance from musician and artist Todd Mattei and a “plant performance” from artist Dao Nguyen. The event runs from 6-9 PM, and it’s free to attend. (SCJ)

Barbara Hammer’s Nitrate Kisses is playing at the Gene Siskel Film Center (164 N. State) at 7 PM tonight as part of the center’s Pioneers of Queer Cinema. As I pointed out in my review of the series, the programming is most worthwhile for its openers–rarer shorts, many of which haven’t been digitized–but this feature is one of the lesser available and more experimental headliners. Barbara Hammer is one of the best-known lesbian filmmakers. Using a mix of archival footage, documentary footage, and interviews, she touches on the criminalization of varied sexual expressions over time as well as how racism, ageism, and other systems of oppression go unchecked within queer communities. She also celebrates the richness and complexity of queer experiences. The evening opens with works by Kenneth Anger, Mike Kuchar, and Zackary Drucker–all of which experiment with avant-garde documentary approaches to cultural history. Tickets are $12. Can’t make it? Catch the lineup again on Saturday 8/27 at 2 PM. (MC)

Excerpts from Zachary Drucker’s 2011 film At Least You Know You Exist

Chicago Movie Tours offers a free and entirely online look at the S.S. Eastland disaster, the 1915 shipwreck that resulted in the loss of over 800 passengers and crew after the ship rolled over onto its side while tied to a dock on the Chicago River. The tour company will offer a virtual presentation including insight from a cigar maker who lost family in the disaster, as well as recently unearthed film documenting the tragedy. It’s viewable on the Chicago Movie Tours Facebook page tonight at 7 PM. (SCJ)

The Promontory (5311 S. Lake Park Ave. West) offers some grit and glam in their programming tonight as they serve up a slate of local punk rock as part of Promontory Goes Punk. Expect loud and fun vibes as the bands We Weren’t Invited, Atheena, and Kangaroo Court take the stage; as well as Lollygagger, who Gossip Wolf singled out in July for their new album of “nine rippers” Total Party Kill. Doors open at 7 PM for this all-ages affair, and the music starts at 8 PM. Tickets are available via Eventbrite. (SCJ)

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Does your work from home soundtrack need a refresh? Patrixia, our latest Chicagoan of Note, is a DJ who dominates the digital club space. She’s so good at getting the digital party started that it’s how she makes a living. Part of that comes from hosting free DJ sets on Twitch three times a week, and today you can catch her spinning from noon-3 PM. If you like what you hear, tune in again Wednesday from 11 AM-2 PM or Friday from 8-11 PM. Maybe even . . . subscribe? (MC)

Join Auntie’s Coffee, SunPhillage, and Heartthrob Productions for their annual marketplace and variety show High Tea Chicago, which promises local small business vendors, a dance party, and a focus on the “queer canna-enthused community and their allies.” A portion of proceeds benefits Chicago House and its programs including housing, health, employment services, and specific care to trans people and people living with HIV. Doors and the market open at 3 PM, with the variety show starting at 4:30 PM. It’s all hosted at Bourbon on Division (2050 W. Division) and tickets for entry are available at Eventbrite. Attendees must be 21 or older. (SCJ)

Monday Night Foodball takes over the Kedzie Inn (4100 N. Kedzie) tonight with a special menu of “Fast Food Favorites” courtesy of Taylor Hanna and Sebastian Vargo of Vargo Brother Ferments. Go to Tock to preorder items like Hanna and Vargo’s RibWich (a pork sandwich with pickles, onion, and smokey sauce on a bun from Loaf Lounge), in the spirit of the McRib, and a chopped salad that takes its inspiration from Portillo’s version. A limited amount of walk-in food will be available for purchase, starting at 5 PM. (SCJ)

New homeowner of an older home? In case you don’t have the innate skills of, say, Norm from This Old House, you may want to look for advice about doing things like getting your electrical system up to date. Enter the Chicago Bungalow Association, who offers free resources to people who own all kinds of Chicago palaces (energy efficiency is not just for bungalows). Today’s free 6 PM webinar, “Repairing and Updating Your Old Wiring” is led by experts Butch Holst and Tom Hoyne, and includes a demo on how to replace a light dimmer or switch. Is it simple enough to DIY or do you need to call an electrician? Ask Butch and Tom! Register for Zoom access at the Chicago Bungalow Association website. (SCJ)

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