Former Bulls Star Ben Gordon Signs D-League Contract

Matt Peck
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Former Bulls Star Ben Gordon Signs D-League Contract

Could the Bulls be welcoming back a familiar face in the near future? It wouldn’t go in line with the “younger and more athletic” plan, but Gar Forman and John Paxson seem to be ignoring that anyway. And their roster is in desperate need of more perimeter shooting…

Moments ago, D-League Digest‘s Adam Johnson reported that former Bulls sharpshooter Ben Gordon has signed a contract with the NBA Development League.

Memory Lane

That’s right, BG7! The London native is the only player in NBA history to win the Sixth Man of the Year award as a rookie, which he did in the 2004-05 season. Gordon holds second place on the Bulls’ all time list for three pointers made (770) and is sixth in three point percentage (41.5%). He became a fan favorite for his clutch shooting late in games as the scrappy Bulls finally climbed out of the post-Jordan era cellar. Along with Kirk Hinrich, Luol Deng and Andres Nocioni, Gordon led the Bulls to the playoffs in 4 of his first 5 seasons. In 2007, they swept Dwyane Wade and the defending champion Miami Heat in the first round.

The Bulls’ new D-League affiliate, the Windy City Bulls, have the first priority on the waiver wire. If they decide to take a chance on Gordon, now 33, it’s very possible he could instantly become the best player on that squad. But does he still have enough left in the tank to play at the NBA level? To quote Derrick Rose, “who knows?” Ben hasn’t been on an NBA roster since 2015, when he was cut by the Golden State Warriors during the preseason. Wade is doing his best to prove he still has it at 35, but he’s a former superstar with a different skillset.

Signing Gordon for the rest of the season doesn’t make a lot of sense, given the fact that the Bulls’ young wings and backcourt reserves need more minutes to develop over the final 40 games. On the other hand, it wouldn’t surprise me at all to see GarPax bring Gordon on board for a playoff push. It’s just the right combination of nostalgic and stupid. Wasn’t that their motive when they signed Wade?

Desmond Howard Burnt Like A Chestnut Over A Roasting Fire

Matt Eastman
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Desmond Howard Burnt Like A Chestnut Over A Roasting Fire

Clemson linebacker, Ben Boulware, is a savage both on and off the field apparently.

Boulware, who was recently awarded the Jack Lambert Award, for best linebacker in college football, took to Twitter to call out some of his critics. None bigger than former Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard, who at one point during the season made the following statement regarding Clemson,

“I think their Achilles heel may be their linebackers.”

Naturally, Ben being the god damn savage that he is, had a tattoo of the national championship trophy inked right smack dab in the middle of his Achilles. That’s epic level shit.

After wrapping up his senior season with 116 tackles, a National Championship Def MVP award and co-ACC Def Player of the Year award, it’s safe to say Ben isn’t short on words.

He’s currently being projected as a mid-round draft pick with one hell of a chip on his shoulder.

Here’s Why The Bears Are a Threat To Sign This Free Agent QB

Erik Lambert
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Here’s Why The Bears Are a Threat To Sign This Free Agent QB

In case it hasn’t come across over the past month through the avalanche of articles, tweets and other social media posts:  the Chicago Bears need a new quarterback. All signs point to the team making a change at that critical position in 2017. This would mark the first major transition in eight years since they traded for Jay Cutler.

Of course the $100 million question is who do they get to steer this ship out of murky depths of the NFL cellar? Early signs point to the draft as the team is reportedly “looking hard” at the top prospects in the upcoming class. Then there is an unusually rich trade market that includes names like Jimmy Garoppolo and Tony Romo.

On the other hand, head coach John Fox has had his greatest successes at quarterback with veteran free agents. One name that continues to hover on the radar of several teams is Mike Glennon. Is there reason to think this former third round pick is a serious target for the team this March?

Based on available information, don’t rule it out.

Cody Whitehair Makes Prestigious List

Sports Mockery
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Cody Whitehair Makes Prestigious List

As the Chicago Bears scramble to find answers for the quarterback position, they can rest assured knowing their young offensive linesman is expected to be dominant for years to come. Cody Whitehair was recently named to the Top 25 Players In The NFL Under 25 list and he’s joined by some incredibly impressive company. Joined by names like Odell Beckham Jr., Le’Veon Bell,  Tyrann Mathieu and more, Whitehair is seemingly entering a new level of stardom.

Pro Football Focus released the list today, and Whitehair checks in at #14. Drafted as a guard in the second-round, out of Kansas State, Whitehair ended up playing his entire rookie season as Chicago’s starting center. After starting all 16 games he graded out as the sixth best center in the NFL paving the way for fellow rookie Jordan Howard to finish second in the league in rushing. As impressive as his season was, Howard didn’t make this list.

Taken with the 56th overall pick, Whitehair watched nine other lineman get selected before the Bears called his name. Draft expert Mike Mayock liked the pick.

“He played left tackle at Kansas State, but he’s not long enough to live outside. If you look at what Chicago has on the offensive line, Whitehair is a good fit.

Whitehair is just one of Ryan Pace’s prized assets chosen in the 2016 NFL Draft. Joining teammates Jordan Howard and Leonard Floyd, Whitehair was named to the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team as well. The Bears had three players represented on that list which tied the Chiefs for most in the league.

The 3-13 season was ugly, and so was the 6-10 campaign in 2015, but the future of the Bears appears to be very bright. Whitehair is one of several young athletes on Chicago expected to be impact players in the NFL and he might be Pace’s best draft pick yet.

Jay Cutler Is On Vacation And He Is Still Criticized. For His Body.

Marc-Louis Paprzyca
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Jay Cutler Is On Vacation And He Is Still Criticized. For His Body.

Chicago Bears Quarterback Jay Cutler has received lots of criticism in his time here but this time it’s for a different reason. It’s not his lackluster play or his bad attitude but for his appearance. Cutler has been the subject of shaming after his wife, Kristin Cavallari, posted photos of the 30th birthday celebration he put together for her.

These are some of comments her photo received.

“Jay looks a tad out of shape someone needs to hit up a Equinox in a city near you”

“Can’t play football and can’t keep in shape. Flabby.”

“300lb lesbian”

“He does kinda look like a chubby lesbian tho”

“Cavallari’s mother-in-law”

You can scroll through her Instagram post if you’d like to read more of people’s nonsense and be reminded of how horrible and insensitive people are. The comments aren’t just body-shaming but also homophobic.

If I’m Jay Cutler I’d just respond with the classic, “doooooooooon’t caaaaarrreee” because I’m on a yacht, that I paid for with a multi-million dollar arm, with my extremely attractive wife.

Forgotten Quarterback Could Be The Secret To Fixing The Chicago Bears

✶ SM Chris ✶
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Forgotten Quarterback Could Be The Secret To Fixing The Chicago Bears

The answer to the critical quarterback problem in Chicago could be much simpler than most fans realize, and it all starts with Brian Hoyer. 

The Chicago Bears have four quarterbacks set to hit the free agent market… four. In addition to that, most expect Jay Cutler to be cut or traded before the 2017 season begins. That leaves a huge hole for Ryan Pace and his staff to fill this off-season.

There are several different routes to fixing this problem and most involve a high level of risk. Putting all your hope into a rookie quarterback could be a recipe for disaster, especially with the weak class this year, and trading the farm for an unproven veteran in Jimmy Garoppolo or an off-injured Tony Romo might set the franchise back even further.

So, inevitably, the question becomes ‘what should Pace do?’

Let’s think about this for a moment. An interesting stat worth considering is the following:

As my tweet indicates, the Dak Prescotts and Ben Roethlisbergers of the world are rare (rookie QBs that light the NFL on fire), most veterans at the position took a decent amount of time to develop. If the mediocre play of rookies Carson Wentz and Jared Goff this season wasn’t enough proof of that, take Aaron Rodgers as another example. In his first two seasons Rodgers put up QB ratings of 39.6 and 48.2. The Chicago Bears general manager is well aware of this…that’s why he sees the value in taking multiple swings when trying to hit a home run at the quarterback position.

“I think it’s a good idea to add a quarterback every year.” Pace said.

The part of Pace’s statement that should be pointed out, because it isn’t included in the quote, is it must be done in a cost effective way. There’s a reason the Bears are expected to be ranked in the top 10, maybe top 5, for cap space in 2017 and it’s because Pace is a wise spender. Therefore, adding a quarterback every year is great but one wrong contract could easily derail this thought process.

For example, if the Bears traded a second and third-round pick for Garoppolo then turned around and signed him to a $100 million contract in 2018, Pace’s options for adding quality QBs every year would become quite limited.

When trying to minimize risk and come up with a solution that will give Bears fans confidence moving forward, there seems to be one clear answer. Here’s a solution that could become incredibly realistic as the draft process plays out.

Hossa Joins An Impressive List While His Father Is In Attendance

Marc-Louis Paprzyca
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Hossa Joins An Impressive List While His Father Is In Attendance

On Tuesday night, against the Colorado Avalanche, Marian Hossa recorded his 600th career assist on a Tanner Kero goal. With that apple he became only the 32nd player in NHL history to record 500 goals and 600 assists. The list includes Hall of Famers like Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux and Stan Mikita, Michel Goulet from the Chicago Blackhawks.

To make the moment even more special was that it was the Blackhawks father’s trip. In attendance was Marian’s father, Frantisek, to witness his son’s accomplishment.

Marian Hossa and proud papa Frantisek with Hossa's 600th assist puck.

A post shared by Chicago Blackhawks (@nhlblackhawks) on

VIDEO: White Sox New Pitching Freak Throws 110 MPH

Erik Lambert
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VIDEO: White Sox New Pitching Freak Throws 110 MPH

It’s no secret that the Chicago White Sox are in a rebuilding phase now. They’re finally taking a similar route to success that their crosstown rival Cubs used to such effectiveness. That being to unload their best veteran assets for a boatload of talented, young prospects. Initial impressions from the assorted deals made thus far is they cleaned up in a big way.

Michael Kopech was considered one of the centerpieces of the Chris Sale trade to the Boston Red Sox a few months ago. The 20-year old pitch is viewed as one of the top pitching prospects in the country. A 6’3″ kid out of Texas, most have come to know him for being a fireballer. Few can throw it harder from the mound than him.

Just how strong of an arm does he have? Exceptional by the look of this video from early practices down in the minors.

Kopech can reach 100 MPH regularly on the mound during games and was clocked hitting 105 on the gun in 2014. Such an arm could be of tremendous use to a team in the majors. Just ask the Cubs how they did with Aroldis Chapman during their run in 2016. Kopech still has plenty of work to do before he’s ready, but it’s good to see he’s off to a great start.

White Sox fans will love him when he’s finally brought up.

Hinostroza And Kero Lead The Way In Blackhawks Win

Marc-Louis Paprzyca
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Hinostroza And Kero Lead The Way In Blackhawks Win

Coach Quenneville decided to switch up his lines after the Blackhawks were held to two goals in their last two games. Hartman and Panik were moved up to the top line with Toews and Hossa was moved to the third. The move seemed to spark the third and fourth line much more as they accounted for all of the scoring.

Things started quickly for the Blackhawks with a Nick Schmaltz goal but Nathan MacKinnon tied it shortly thereafter. Later on in the first period, Seabrook sent a blast to a well-screened goalie that found its way in.

The second saw furious action and four goals between the two teams. MacKinnon got his second to tie the game at 2 and then the Avalanche took the 3-2 lead only 1:03 later. The Blackhawks responded about :30 later with a Kero put back. Matt Duchene put the Avs up 4-3 shortly before the end of the period.

The third period saw little action for the first half of the period but then Vinnie Hinostroza was woke. He scored two goals in consecutive shifts to give the Blackhawks a 5-4 lead. His first was a breakaway that was easily the highlight of the night(see below). Kero added an empty netter to seal the Blackhawks win 6-4.

Highs: The third and fourth line scoring was ignited and took the pressure off the Kane-Anisimov-Panarin line.

Lows: Playing in a game this tight with a poor Avalanche team which only has 5 home wins.

Next up: Boston Bruins Friday at 6pm.

Dwyane Wade Misses Buzzer Beater, Mavericks Drop Bulls Below .500

Matt Peck
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Dwyane Wade Misses Buzzer Beater, Mavericks Drop Bulls Below .500

The Bulls really wanted to avenge the ugly loss to the Dallas Mavericks back in December. When you lose 107-82 to the team with the NBA’s worst record, things tend to get ugly. That’s exactly what happened, when cranky point guard Rajon Rondo threw a towel at associate head coach Jim Boylen. That behavioral outburst earned the veteran a one game suspension, and the chatter surrounding the front office’s decision to sign him last summer picked up steam.

Fast forward to 2017, and the Bulls were slightly less pathetic this time around. Instead of a 25 point loss, Chicago lost to the Mavericks 99-98. It’s not a great sign that Fred Hoiberg needed a near-triple double from Jimmy Butler and a season-high 21 from center Robin Lopez to play level with Dallas, still one of the worst teams in the league. Butler finished with 24 points, 12 assists and 9 rebounds. The 12 dimes were a career high for Jimmy, but he couldn’t be the hero again in this one.

Butler put the Bulls up 98-96 with a pull up jumper late in a back and forth 4th quarter. But Wesley Matthews answered right back with a three pointer to give Dallas the lead with 11 seconds left. On the ensuing possession, Butler took the inbounds pass but lost the ball off the dribble. Dwyane Wade scooped up the loose ball and forced a tough jump shot from the left corner as time expired. It rimmed out off the back iron, and the birthday boy’s team went home with another disappointing loss. Wade, who turned 35 on Tuesday, scored 17 points.

The Bulls (21-22) fell back below .500 after winning their previous two games. Expect more of the same from this painfully mediocre squad this season.

Quick Hits

Nikola Mirotic returned after a 4 game absence because of illness. He was a total non-factor, scoring just 6 points in 22 minutes. His fellow “shooter” on the second unit Doug McDermott had another rough night, scoring 7 points on 3-10 shooting.

Rookie 2nd round pick Paul Zipser got his second consecutive start for the Bulls with Taj Gibson out resting a sore left ankle. The German forward tallied 5 points and 3 rebounds in 19 minutes. Hoiberg said at the team’s shootaround that Gibson’s ankle isn’t serious, and he rested the veteran as a precautionary measure. He hopes that Gibson will play on Friday.

Ames, Iowa product Harrison Barnes led the Mavericks with 20 points. Franchise staple Dirk Nowitzki had a double double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Next Up: The Bulls travel to Atlanta to battle the Hawks on Friday. Butler poured in 39 points in Chicago’s 115-107 loss to the Hawks on November 9. Tipoff is at 7:00 PM CST.

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