Remembering the Sox, (briefly) looking ahead to the Bulls

- It’s cool to see Sox fans basking in the positive vibes so quickly after elimination. I’m proud of the way my people have handled this. This team wasn’t supposed to capture its division, or rack up 89 wins. Remember, PECOTA projected the Sox to win only 77 games. I think it’s impossible to call 2008 anything but a success. They may even be my second favorite White Sox team of all-time. Check out my list of top ten most memorable Sox moments from this season.

- Since baseball’s over it’s about time to focus on the Bulls. I feel like this offseason had two parts: before the lottery, and the after the lottery. For how frustrating last year was for everyone, I think we can now all agree that that shitty season was the best thing to happen to the franchise post-MJ. Watching Derrick Rose develop will be different from anyone else we’ve witnessed since 99: he has far more talent than all those other top draft picks combined. The kid is just oozing with potential. I can’t wait watch his transformation into one of the NBA’s best players.

- Tyrus Thomas: stronger, more motivated, more disciplined. Watch out.

The unleashing of Tyrus is a primary reason I think the Bulls are totally making the playoffs this year. Here are the others:
 
a) Deng, Gordon, and Hinrich should all be back to their 06-07 form. Last year’s Bulls team was a lot like the 07 Sox: everything went wrong for everybody right from the start. The Sox’ vets rebounded, so should the Bulls’.

b) I have a feeling a 27-year old Drew Gooden in a contract year could be a wonderful thing.

c) I was really impressed with Joakim Noah’s production last year. In a world where Tyson Chandler is the 40th best player in the NBA, I expect Noah to make a big leap. There is no reason he shouldn’t be one of the league’s better defensive centers.

d) Sure, Derrick Rose is young. Yeah, it’s going to take some time and some patience- remember that when Michael Beasley is averaging 23 points per game as a rookie. But don’t forget Rose is also incredibly good. No doubt he’ll make an impact this year.