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The Deshaun Watson Factor In Chicago Nobody Wants To Talk About

By
Erik Lambert
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adam schefter

The Deshaun Watson to Chicago rumor is one of the draft’s hottest with less than two weeks before the big day. The Bears hold the #3 pick. Most experts agree they need an answer at quarterback. Naturally the faith is lacking in recent free agent signing Mike Glennon, who was benched after two years as a starter in Tampa Bay. Watson represents the young, hopeful talent this fan base wants to get behind.

The last time they did anything like this was back in 2003. Stop and think about that for a moment. That was 14 years ago. Their choice was Rex Grossman, who isn’t even playing anymore. Adding to it is the fact he was the 22nd overall pick. Not even a top five guy. The last one to go that high in Chicago? None other than Jim McMahon in 1982. Everybody knows how that turned out.

Several insiders with close ties to the team believe GM Ryan Pace is aiming to take a QB early. The debate is over who it will be. North Carolina standout Mitch Trubisky is a big name. However, the consensus is building that Watson is their target of choice.

The Deshaun Watson factor is no joke

John Mullin (CSN)

“…the Bears have conducted some of the most exhaustive research and evaluations in recent memory not of one quarterback but multiple quarterback prospects, in particular Notre Dame’s DeShone Kizer, Texas Tech’s Pat Mahomes and Clemson’s Deshaun Watson.

And the expectation here is that Watson will be the Bears’ selection.”

Greg Gabriel (CBS Chicago)

“Figuring all that into the equation, it wouldn’t surprise me to see the Bears select a quarterback at No. 3. Who will that player be? My guess right now is Watson, who closely fits the profile that Pace has established for a quarterback. He has been a winner and a leader in taking his team to the last two national championship games, including winning a title this past season.”

Why would Pace make him the pick? As usual everything must start from a football perspective. Watson features good size at 6’2″ with above-average speed and athleticism for the position. He can take off and run for first downs when he chooses. This of course overshadows the fact he’s got a decent arm that can make most of the throws in a playbook. It’s not Cutler level by any means, but good enough.

His greatest traits though lay with the intangibles. Teammates and coaches alike rave about Watson as a leader and competitor. His work ethic and preparation are elite, and he has that natural charisma that makes it easy for people to follow him. It’s certainly evident in the success Clemson had with him as the starter. In 2015 and 2016 they played a total of 30 games. Over that span they went 28-2 with both losses being by a combined six points.

The Tigers reached the national championship game both years and just knocked off Alabama for the title. A game in which Watson was magnificent in the clutch.

People can nitpick his game to death but facts are facts. Watson dominated college football and did everything there is to do. It offers enough reason to think he can accomplish more of the same in the NFL. That being said there is added layers to this scenario. A certain subject many people these days don’t wish to talk about. Especially in the wake of an ugly presidential race.

Watson is black and it matters

Might as well just come out and say it. Deshaun Watson is African-American. He was born that way out of Gainesville, Georgia in 1995. The same hometown of one Dexter Fowler for Cubs fans to note. To say it doesn’t matter in the context of this draft would be wrong.

From the perspective of the Bears, it could mean so much. Not just on the field, but off it too. Think of it this way. How insane would the city get if there were a successful quarterback in Chicago? Given the rabid loyalty some have to Jay Cutler, who went 52-52 in his career for them, it’s a pretty fair assumption that things would get apoplectic. Now take it a step further.

How crazy would it get with a successful black quarterback?

The thing to remember about the NFL and all of professional sports is it’s a business. Sure, they’re games that entertain but money still drives everything. Nothing rakes in the cash faster than superstar players. Particularly ones who are able to market to the majority demographic of the teams they represent.

As of 2010, there are 2,695,598 people considered part of the Chicago population. According to the 2000 Census data, 32.4% of that population is African-American. That shakes out to 873,373 people being black within the city limits and immediate surrounding suburbs.

Part of being a sports fan at a young age is being able to project yourself into the image of your favorite players. Like it or not, skin color plays a role in that.

History backs it up

This is not to say white, Latino, or Asian athletes can’t have success in Chicago sports. Far from it. However, history does show that black athletes tend to gain the loftier superstar status in this city. Think about it. Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane have had infinitely more career success than Derrick Rose. Yet at his peak Rose was far more popular in the city. Not even close.

The most revered Chicago sports icons of all-time are Michael Jordan and Walter Payton. Of course they earned every bit of their accolades, but one can’t say playing in a city that features a majority black population didn’t help fuel their immense popularity. Ask Michael Vick about his peak years with the Atlanta Falcons, another city with a majority black population.

Deshaun Watson would become an instant hero to every young African-American boy who lives in Chicago if he were to succeed here. The financial impact in jersey sales alone would be off the charts. Not only would they want to wear his number. They’d find out what shoe brand he laces up as well. They’d find out what kind of cereal he eats. He’d be a role model.

Superstars who appeal to the demographic of their city is great for business. The Chicago Bears first and foremost want a successful quarterback. That’s the primary goal. Still, if they could get one in Watson, somebody who appeals to the deep African-American heritage in the city, then it could be so much bigger.

The McCaskey family loves money. That’s no secret. Anyone with savvy business sense can see Watson is a potential gold mine if he were to play for the Bears.

Chicago Bears Mock Draft – Forecasting Multiple Scenarios

By
Dhruv Koul
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The 2015 NFL Draft was Ryan Pace's first as the general amanger of the Bears. He did add a few nice pieces, but he missed on some big time play-makers.(Photo courtesy of Getty Images)

The 2017 NFL Draft is approaching. And right now, the Internet is littered with mock drafts from every sports news outlet known to mankind.

Nobody actually has any idea about what teams are really going to do come draft night, but it is pretty fun to read about what different people think will happen and why. No matter how ludicrous the theory.

The Chicago Bears pick third overall, and they’re probably close to finalizing their draft board, if they haven’t already done so. Rumors are flying that GM Ryan Pace loves all of the quarterbacks, all of the defensive backs, all of the defensive linemen, and basically any other football player with a pulse that’s entered the draft.

Because Pace’s intentions are a secret, I took the liberty of mocking a few first round scenarios and taking a stab at guessing whom the Bears might pick in each one. This did not include a potential trade down.

Pick a scenario you like and feel free to add your take on it in the comments section of whichever social media platform you’re reading this on!

A Draft Day Trade Rumor Surfaces That Bears Fans Are Going To Love

By
Sports Mockery
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The predictions for the Chicago Bears and the third overall pick have been all over the board for the last few months. All the “experts” have several different versions of their mocks and almost each of them has Chicago selecting a different player.

Some of the most recent information that has surfaced….

That’s about as clear as mud.

Here’s a few other things recently said:

  • The 49ers also want to trade down from #2, one selection ahead of the Bears.
  • Watson is expected to fall in this draft.
  • The Jets have been rumored to want the first quarterback off the board, and it would be Mitchell Trubisky.

Taking all of that recent information into consideration, ESPN released a “fascinating” trade proposal. The reason “fascinating” is in quotation marks is because Sports Mockery predicted roughly the exact same thing a month ago. The trade centers around the Jets’ need for a quarterback and Chicago’s rumored interest to move down.

Here is ESPN’s version of it:

Jets get: 1-3
Bears get: 1-6, 3-107, DE Sheldon Richardson

Here is Sports Mockery’s written on March 20th by our Bears insider Erik Lambert:

TRADE:  #3 pick to the New York Jets for #6 pick and DE Sheldon Richardson

The only extra addition was the 107th overall pick Chicago would hypothetically receive in the third round making it an even better deal for the Bears.

Why Would The Jets Trade Richardson?

A pro bowl defensive tackle in 2014, and the defensive rookie of the year in 2013, Richardson is in desperate need of a new beginning. In April of 2016, the Jets picked up Richardson’s fifth year option worth $8 million after rumors flooded the Internet claiming he would be traded.

After serving a one-game suspension for his arrest the previous season, Richardson turned in a very sub-par year recording a career low 1.5 sacks in 14 games. Jets fans have now labeled him “overpaid.” That’s why rumors are now flying everywhere that Richardson will be traded… once again. His contract is up at the end of the 2017 season.

As recent as today, articles have been written about scenarios where the draft could bring Richardson to a new home. Including ESPN’s trade scenario bringing him to Chicago.

Why Would The Bears Want Richardson?

Well, for the same reasons they would draft Jonathan Allen at #3. The Bears have a very talented front seven, but DT is currently a hole being filled by Mitch Unrein. If Chicago could add a very talented, and assuming motivated, player like Richardson it would fill a big need. Moving down just three spots in the draft would make selecting a safety or even a quarterback much more viable than trying to justify taking a player like Watson with the third overall pick. In addition to all of that, the Bears would get the 107th overall pick in a very deep draft year. Nick Kwiatkoski, a talented linebacker with potential, was selected with the 113th overall pick last season to give you an idea of how valuable that pick could be. 

The only real downside to Richardson is the money he will need to be paid. If he bounces back in 2017, Chicago would immediately have to re-sign him to prevent him from hitting the free agent market and that could be expensive. Kawann Short just got $80 million from Carolina.

Summing It Up

This specific trade scenario would appear to be ideal for only the Bears. The Jets would shed cap space trading Richardson and get their targeted QB, presumably, at #3 but who’s to say that same player won’t be available when they select at #6? For those reasons, Bears fans would love this trade and Jets fans would likely wonder why so much was given up to move up just three spots.

Something that plays another role in this is New York’s failed attempts with less talented quarterbacks in past years. They took Christian Hackenberg in the second round last year and Bryce Petty in the fourth round in 2015, here we sit in 2017 and they still don’t have an answer at the position. The Jets organization could be battling the Browns to take the first quarterback off the board meaning if Myles Garrett goes number one and Solomon Thomas goes second, that’s why some think Gang Green could swoop in at number three to prevent Jacksonville from taking their guy.

The trade makes a lot of sense, more so from the Bears’ perspective, but it has a lot of moving parts. Interesting proposal to consider if you are Ryan Pace though.

Kris Bryant’s Mindset Completely Destroys Traditional Superstar Thinking

By
Gus
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When I was in high school, I was lucky enough to have parents that believed in using sports to help teach me life lessons the only way that sports could. Overcoming adversity, being part of a team, winning respectfully and losing humbly, and putting the team ahead of your individual goals were all lessons I learned that helped shape me into the man that I am today.

Unfortunately, my generation and the current generation of athletes couldn’t be any more different.

And if you’re curious what “my generation” is — I graduate high school in 2001.

Playing sports literally changed my life and left such a mark on me that I decided that I wanted to “payback” all of the lessons I’ve learned by becoming a coach. I’ve been lucky enough to have the opportunity to instill some of those same life lessons that I learned playing high school sports to the thousands of kids I’ve coached in the past 11 years. However, I quickly came to realize that the kids I was coaching had a very different mindset then what I had when I was their age.

This generation of athletes are being raised in a “me first” society that places individual accomplishment over team success. Society doesn’t want kids to go through failure so the participation ribbon has completely destroyed teaching kids that losing is unacceptable because even kids that lose still get a ribbon for their “effort.” So if everyone gets a trophy or ribbon, why work hard?

I could continue to write another 3,000 words on the reasons this has happened (*cough parenting *cough) and the dangers that it presents but I think I’d just be beating a dead horse.

Furthermore, it doesn’t help that kids today are looking up to athletes that are more concerned with the name on the back of the jersey than they are with the name on the front. The athletes I looked up to (Jordan, Bird, Walter Payton, Sandberg, etc.) were some of the most competitive, yet selfless, athletes of their time. They played hurt, sick, and tired because they knew their teammates were relying on them to help the team win. Today’s role models will “rest” when they are completely healthy, get carried off the court from cramps, and flop around like a dead fish when they are barely touched (you know who you are.)

Times have changed. Professional sports have become more about the brand then about the game. Endorsements, huge contracts, and money have become the driving force behind most of the athletes that kids look up to today so the value of  a “team first” has slowly been fading away.

Then a guy like Kris Bryant bursts on the scene and completely destroys that mentality.

VIDEO: F-Bomb By Young Celtics Fan Sums Up Bulls Upset Perfectly

By
Erik Lambert
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The Boston Celtics were 30-11 at home this 2016-2017 NBA season. It was really hard to beat them in their building. So it’s natural that every old and young Celtics fan felt supremely confident going into the playoff opener against the Chicago Bulls. After all, their team had beaten the 41-41 team twice at home during the regular season. Everything said that it should’ve been their night in Game 1.

Then the action started. Chicago came out aggressive, playing some of the best defense it had all year. By the time the Celtic were able to shake off the surprise they were way behind. They managed to cut the lead down late in the fourth quarter but some timely baskets by Jimmy Butler and Bobby Portis helped seal the victory.

Nothing summed up how stunned and frustrated Boston fans were than after Butler hit the final free throw to put the score at 106-102 than this kid at court-side. Anybody with a common understanding of the English language can clearly see what he’s saying.

Maybe a little crude for somebody his age but not untrue. This loss could be significant in a major way. The Bulls now hold home court advantage in the series. Even if they lose in Game 2, they would go home to the United Center. A place where the Celtics haven’t won since November of 2014. Chicago won both meetings there this season.

The Bulls always seem to give Boston headaches in the playoffs. Their iconic 2009 playoff war remains the stuff of legends. However, the Celtics do have history on their side. In four previous postseason meetings, they are a perfect 4-0. Odds are that streak will grow over the next week or so.

Still, this game proves it would be most unwise to overlook the Bulls. If nothing else, they are a battle-tested group.

Avi Garcia’s 4th Hit Of The Game Comes In The Form Of A Game Winning Bomb

By
Emmet McClain
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Avisail Garcia, Chicago White Sox

Eleven games into the 2017 season and Avisail Garcia is still raking at the plate. The American League batting leader went 4-4 today, saving his best for last in the form of a 2-run moon shot to give the White Sox the lead for good in the 10th inning.

The White Sox now sit at 6-5, in large part due to two very unlikely heroes: Garcia, and James Shields, who threw another gem this afternoon. Avi now owns a season slash line of .465/.511/.674. Shields now has a season ERA of 1.62 through 3 starts. Both players look like polar opposites of last year. Who knows if the production from either will keep up, but for now we can all just enjoy the show.

Jarrett Payton Touching Cubs Tribute To Father Brings Too Many Tears

By
Erik Lambert
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jarrett payton chicago cubs

Even today, 18 years after his tragic passing from liver disease, Walter Payton remains ingrained in the minds of Chicago sports fans. A larger than life icon who carried the torch through one of the darkest decades in the city’s history. He did it without complaint and through sheer determination and effort. That’s what makes this Jarrett Payton Chicago Cubs tribute all the more touching, and heart wrenching at the same time.

One of the most gleeful memories of Jarrett’s life came in 1986 when he got to throw out the first pitch at a Cubs game. His father was the toast of town at the time, fresh off leading the Bears to a Super Bowl championship. It was a good time to be a Payton. Over the years as he grew up, Jarrett reflected on what times like that meant to him.

Which made him appreciate it all the more when his own son got to do the same at Wrigley. Ironically right after the Cubs won the World Series.

It really is amazing how circular life can be sometimes. No doubt Jarrett wishes his father could be there to see his grandson take the mound. Then again the spirit of Sweetness has never really left Chicago. Ever since his retirement and eventual death, the city has set their standards quite high for what their athletes should embody.

However, for Jarrett the big lesson is not about becoming a great player on the field. It’s about becoming a good man and father at home.

Joe Maddon Says Jake Arrieta’s Early Struggles Are On Purpose

By
Sean Sears
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The Cubs Jake Arrieta has been noticeably slower to start 2017. And when I say slow, I don’t mean Arrieta has struggled this season – he’s been classic Jake through three starts – but I mean it literally. He’s been throwing a lot slower to start 2017, compared to what we are used to seeing from the whiskered-righty, close to four or five miles per hour slower actually.

His first start of the season, Cubs twitter was quick to point out that Arrieta’s fastball looked less-than-average, coming in at about 90-91 mph. However, his stuff was still solid and he would go on to pitch six innings of four hit baseball, allowing only one single run. While he had calmed the nerves of the Cub faithful, Arrieta had the full attention of the baseball-statistical savvy as they saw one of the game’s most explosive pitchers struggling to throw harder than his 38-year-old teammate John Lackey.

The news of Arrieta and his low velocity exploded after Fangraphs writer Jeff Sullivan wrote this story titled, ” What on Earth Happened With Jake Arrieta?” The story dives into Arrieta’s velocity and while losing speed on your fastball is never good, it’s not the end of the world either. Arrieta was asked about his lack of high velocity after his win against the Brewers on April 9th, and he even referenced the article to CSN Chicago’s Patrick Mooney in a quote.

“Everybody wants to talk about this,” Arrieta said after Sunday’s 7-4 win over the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. “There’s FanGraph articles. I don’t care about that.

“I know that kind of stuff can come and go from time to time. I had periods last year where I was at the same spot I am right now. I had one in June, near the All-Star break. It is what it is. I still have good feel for everything. Movement is really good. The command’s good.

“When the 95-to-97 comes back, it’s going to be tough for teams. And it still is.”

Arrieta seems content with where he is at right now, however, his declining velocity combined with his lack of control throughout 2016 is reason enough for some early concerns. Personally, I brushed off the comments and concerns initially, knowing that the league was making the switch from their old velocity tracking system, PITCH F/X to using the MLB’s very own Statcast system. But once I discovered that most pitchers velocities were being increase by the new system, ala Carlos Martinez and his constant 100 mph fastballs, I started to grow more wary of the the former NL Cy Young award winner.

But just yesterday, Cubs skipper Joe Maddon shed some light on the situation, as he explained why exactly Arrieta’s fastball looked so lackluster to start 2017.

Another Former NFL Scout Hears Bears Draft This QB With 3rd Pick

By
Erik Lambert
-

At this point either GM Ryan Pace doesn’t care if other teams know his intentions for the #3 pick or he’s executed one of the best misdirection campaigns in recent memory. As written a number of times over the past week on SM, the growing sentiment regarding that pick is the Bears draft QB all the way. Despite much insisting that the class is too raw and not worth a top five pick, the bottom line is Pace may not have a choice.

Word persists that four quarterbacks are expected to go in the first round this year. So if the Bears passed on one at #3, they’d be getting the fifth-best QB in a class that’s considered thin. Not ideal. Thus the decision is fairly simple. If the plan is to get a long-term talent they can develop into a starter, then they must take him right away. Odds are never good they’ll get a guy worth much by waiting even one round.

All signs continue to insist Mike Glennon is a veteran holdover who will keep the seat warm. He is by no means their guy. Not unless he impresses this season, which is hard to see happening.

Bears draft QB buzz not going away

Former Dallas Cowboys scout Bryan Broaddus, now a writer for Dallascowboys.com, is hearing the noise as well. He believes the Bears do indeed have their eyes on a QB.

“There’s a lot of rumors going around. There’s a lot of whispering going on right now about the Chicago Bears taking (quarterback) Mitch Trubisky at three. I think that’s serious. But there’s some of them, you know, with Cleveland not knowing whether they’re going to take a quarterback or a defensive end. I think the Browns know exactly who they’re gonna take at one.”

Several local Chicago insiders are hearing similar buzz, though most are connected to Deshaun Watson rather than Trubisky. That being said Trubisky has steadily been hinted as a favorite of theirs for the past few months. Knowing this it would appear that the Bears have narrowed the choice down to either him or Watson. Not a surprise since most experts consider those two as the best in this draft.

The appeal of each is easy enough to see. Trubisky is probably the better scheme fit for offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains. He has quick feet, good feel in the pocket, throws accurate passes and has keen understanding rhythm and timing throws. Common belief is he’s the most pro-ready of the top QBs. Amazing since he’s only started 13 games.

Watson on the other hand falls more in line with what Pace has stated he looks for. A player who was able to elevate their program to great success through their physical talent and leadership. Watson lost just two games in the past two seasons for Clemson. They reached the national championship both times and won the title recently thanks to his late-game heroics. He’s a supreme competitor who refuses to lose.

Not a bad plan

Both players look like they could have really good NFL career. The best part is they wouldn’t have to start right away in Chicago. Glennon’s arrival made that a reality. The Bears would be free to develop them steadily without taking any of the hits or suffering the disappointing mistakes. At least not until they grasp an understanding of the offensive scheme and its concepts.

Sure the common argument is a team should spend their first round pick on a player who can contribute to the team right away. A nice line for the textbooks, but it doesn’t apply to quarterbacks. That position is way too important. Chicago has mismanaged it for too long. It’s high time they took a different approach. This may not get the instant gratification typically craved, but experts need to give fans credit. They can be patient if they think the payoff in the long run is worth it.

Why the Bulls Can Push the Celtics to the Brink

By
David Holmes
-

It was a long and adventurous season for the No. 8 seed Chicago Bulls (41-41), but they managed to sneak into the playoffs on the very last day of the regular season by beating the Brooklyn Nets. Overall the team has been inconsistent, to say the least. Against the top teams in the NBA, the Bulls actually had an above .500 record of 12-9 and played like one of the top teams in the association. However, when faced against the bottom teams in the NBA, the Bulls struggled and often played down to their competition resulting in multiple head-scratching losses.

The Boston Celtics (53-29) come into the playoffs as the No. 1 seed in the East and have legitimate championship hopes. By and large, Isaiah Thomas has been the focal point of the Celtics offense. Throughout the regular season, he finished third in PPG with 28.9 points, trailing only MVP candidates Russell Westbrook (31.6 PPG) and James Harden ( 29.1 PPG). The Celtics have spent most of the season beating up on inferior opponents, and have struggled with teams of equal talent. If Boston hopes to finally win a playoff series it will take everything Thomas has and more.

That being said I believe this series will be a lot closer than people think. Here are five factors that I believe could tilt the series in favor of Chicago.

  1. Advantage on the Boards

Against the Celtics, the Bulls have flat out dominated the Celtics. In their four games against during the regular season, the Bulls averaged a league-best 55.4 in rebound percentage. They really shined on the offensive glass, where they averaged an impressive 15 offensive rebounds per game. In Chicago’s two wins, they outscored Boston 40-9 in second chance opportunities. If the Bulls can maintain their rebounding dominance it will go a long way in slowing down the Celtics offense.

  1. Slowing Down Isaiah Thomas

Isaiah Thomas is far and away the best player on the Celtics and one of the top offensive threats in the NBA. The Bulls will undoubtedly make Thomas the focus of their defensive game planning.

Luckily for the Bulls, they have done a pretty good job of slowing down Thomas so far this season. Against Chicago, Thomas only averaged 24.8 points which is 4.1 points less than his average. More than likely Jimmy Butler will draw Thomas as his defensive assignment, which is great news for Bulls fans. Butler is one of the perimeter defenders in the league, and if anyone can frustrate Thomas it’s Jimmy.

  1. A Healthy Dwayne Wade

On March 15th Dwayne Wade suffered a sprain and minor fracture in his elbow against the Memphis Grizzlies. It was announced he would miss the remainder of the season, and many fans were left wondering if that was the last time they would see Wade in a Bulls uniform.

Instead of being without one of their most experienced post-season players, the Bulls get Wade back with three weeks of rest. Despite getting up there in years, Wade still has plenty of veteran savvy and a career 22.8 point per game playoff average. With plenty of attention being directed towards Butler, Wade should have plenty of opportunities to light up the Celtics defense.

  1. The Pressure is on Boston

If you’re a Bulls fan the fact that they made the playoffs is in itself a victory. After an up-and-down season, there is really no pressure on a team that is the No. 8 seed in the East. If they win it’ll be nothing more than a pleasant surprise, but if they lose it’ll confirm that they are just a mediocre team that was lucky enough to make it to the playoffs.

However, if the Celtics are the team to lose, there will be much bigger ramifications for the franchise. The media and fan base will question the Celtics off-season moves, and lack of progress on acquiring a true superstar to lead the team. Coach Brad Stevens has been great for the Celtics, but if his team loses, some will question if he has what it takes to take the Celtics to the next level.

  1. The Best Player in the Series

While some may argue that Isaiah Thomas is the top player in the series, his aversion to defense is what places him as the second best player in the series. Jimmy Butler holds the title of the best player due to his equal talents on both ends of the floor.

The Celtics will do everything they can to slow down Jimmy “Buckets”, from throwing double teams to a variety of defenders his way. However, Butler has a plethora of offensive moves in his scoring arsenal. If the Celtics put a smaller player on him, he’ll have no problem backing down the defender for a quick turnaround jumper. With bigger defenders, Butler has no problem using his athleticism to quickly blow by and draw the foul, which plays right into his hands as he’s one of the better free throw shooters in the NBA.

The Bulls are no doubt the underdog of this series, but make no mistake they won’t go down without a fight. They have the veteran presence in Rondo and Wade to help right the ship when things go south. Jimmy Butler is a bonafide superstar who has more than enough talent to win a game or two on his own. If the Bulls can play disciplined basketball and execute, this series has all the makings of going six or seven games, and who knows maybe they can even pull off the upset.

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