Bulls lose opener, Kobe rumors put to rest?
The Chicago Bulls opened the 2007-2008 NBA season with a loss last night to the New Jersey Nets 112-103 in OT. The Bulls started poorly, but managed to rally from a 17-point deficet and send the game into overtime. The Bulls have not won in New Jersey since 2001.
Of course the real story so far in this young season is the possibility that Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant may be wearing a Chicago uniform. Today, however, General Manager John Paxon said that, despite reports, they were never close to a deal to acquire Bryant. He said that talks are now over with the Lakers.
I definitely think that they were actively pursuing Bryant and that Paxon really wanted him. I also think that Paxon was letting himself get wooed by the idea of a superstar celebrity player and what that can mean for ticket and merchandise sales. Has he thought about what it will do to team morale? Has he thought about how it will alienate fans?
Granted, there are a lot of Kobe Bryant fans out there. I am just not one of them. I am happy to forgo his scoring ability and not have his strong defense if it means that I don’t have to deal with his cocky attitude and ability to whine.
I like this young group of players that the Bulls have, especially Luol Deng and Ben Gordon. I also love Ben Wallace. If one, or all, of these players would have been sacrificed to bring this nuisance to town, then I would have had to start watching more hockey.
Chicago Bulls, Chicago, Kobe Bryant, Luol Deng, Ben Wallace, Ben Gordon, John Paxon


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