In attending yesterday’s scrimmage at the United Center, I was pleased. Looking back, it was FINALLY a good day for Chicago Sports. The Bears beat the Packers at Lambeau Field. The Bulls displayed their new talent alongside their developing talents of emerging stars, and the Cubs could not lose since they were not playing. Ok, so that’s kind of rough on the Cubs. Wait till next year, though. I believe. By the way, I completely support Lou’s decisions this postseason. For more on the curse, check out docksquad’s blog.
Ok yeah, so the Bulls. Here is what I observed at the scrimmage.
First, I felt really bad for all the players. I arrived at 3:00, with the gates of the UC opening at 3:30, and the outside of the United Center was packed all around. The maps said players were only signing autographs for 400 fans or 1 hour, but the lines looked much longer than 400 deep each and the time was longer than an hour. Can you imagine signing that many autographs back to back?! yikes!
Next, coupled with Skiles’ comment that Ben Gordon had the "greatest summer I’ve ever seen from a player", Ben looked great. He was knocking down threes, both in the scrimmage and in the 3 point contest post-scrimmage. I don’t care for the critics who say Ben Gordon is short, and can’t play defense. Honestly, I think he is gonna be an elite player in the league.
Also equally as impressive if not more so, was Luol. I mean, he was easily the leading scorer and poured in points from near and far. Can’t wait to see if Lou having worked on his range a bit in the summer will pay off.
I thought it was cool how they announced each player, including the reserves. Joakim Noah actually got a big hand from the crowd, probably the most of all the bench players besides Nocioni and Tyrus. (not that we know who the 5th starter is yet) Interestingly, the "white team" included Kirk, both Bens, Luol and Joakim. Could Skiles be giving us a hint? The "red team" was led by Duhon, Nocioni, and Tyrus. Here are some pics that I took:
My favorite: Welcome to the NBA Joakim, from Tryus. Yeah we know Joakim may actually be older and has a couple NCAA titles, but Tyrus has the experience at the UC.A popular time-out game, sing for your supper, has 2 or 3 contestants in a sing off. Yesterday, the three rookies had to do the sing off and sing Sweet Home Chicago (see below). Noah and Curry were both naturals on the mic, and Noah even opened up with some beat boxing to start his gig, and eventually won based on fan applause.
Here is the video:
Joakim Noah Singing
Here is Nocioni during the 3 point contest. Notice the back brace he is sporting.
First preseason game tomorrow night on the road in Milwaukee, then home for Dallas on Friday.