The owner of the Chicago Bulls Jerry Reinsdorf, released a surprise statement in response to reports that there was growing tension within the organization. The response comes after local Chicago media released a story that there was a growing rift between the Bulls front office, and former MVP Derrick Rose.
“I am confounded by the irresponsible report in the Chicago Sun-Times suggesting there is anything approaching discord or confusion between the Bulls executive office, coaching staff, and Derrick Rose or any other Bulls player. To the contrary, I can remember no time when the organization has been any more focused, optimistic, and cohesive. I’ve got to assume suggestions otherwise are intended to undermine the goals and objectives, spirit, and reputation of the Chicago Bulls. I am deeply disappointed that unnamed sources and totally inaccurate statements and assumptions can be used to foment nonexistent friction. The report is totally without basis or fact. It is pure malicious fiction.”
The initial story in question was reported by Joe Cowley of the Chicago-Sun Times.
“I know it’s been there,’’ Rose told the Sun-Times, acknowledging there has been growing tension between the organization and his camp. “I heard there were some upset people.
“I’m happy I didn’t personally see it. I don’t want to see that. I kind of wonder where it was coming from because it seemed like whenever I was around, everything was all right. It bothered me because when I wasn’t around, I would hear from certain people that everything wasn’t all right.’’
This whole situation is interesting to say the least. Reinsdorf essentially went out of his way to deny something that Rose himself alluded to. Whether Rose’s initial words were misinformed is another matter, but one would think the Bulls would have handled this matter in house before issuing a statement. Reinsdorf has made this a far bigger story than it originally was, and only time will tell if this is indeed an issue for the parties moving forward.
Other News Around The League:
It’s looking very likely that Mason Plumlee will be earning a spot on the final Team USA roster for the upcoming FIBA World Cup. His inclusion on the team would most likely come at the expense of DeMarcus Cousins, who is also vying for a chance to participate. It should be noted that Plumlee’s addition could be a result of the familiarity already established between him and Team USA head coach Mike Krzyzewksi. Coach K was Plumlee’s coach when he attended Duke as well. The story was reported by Brian Windhorst of ESPN:
2 things from Team USA: post practice games between Durant/Harden/George are epic; Mason Plumlee likely to make team over DeMarcus Cousins
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) July 31, 2014
Chris Bosh admitted that he was close to leaving the Miami Heat before re-signing with the team. Bosh made an appearance Thursday on “The Ticket Morning Show” in Miami telling his story. In his own words: “It was close, I’m not going to lie,” Bosh admitted. “It was close. It was just a weird situation only because we were waiting so long and I didn’t know what was going on. “I think you’re always in a situation where it’s going to be extremely close — even if you don’t leave — in that situation because teams got very aggressive on me. And I guess as soon as LeBron made up his mind, that’s when everything could kind of fall in line. But until then I was just waiting, so I didn’t know what was going on.”
- The Milwaukee Bucks announced that they have signed free agent Jerryd Bayless: The Milwaukee Bucks have signed free agent guard Jerryd Bayless, General Manager John Hammond announced today. Terms of the contract were not disclosed in accordance with team policy.Bayless, 25, split the 2013-14 season between the Memphis Grizzlies and Boston Celtics, and averaged 9.3 points, 2.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 72 games (19 starts).
- The NBA will be adding it’s Twitter handle to it’s official Spalding game ball for the 2014-15 season. The NBA announced today that the @NBA handle will be added to the official Spalding game ball beginning with the 2014-15 NBA season.
The NBA is the first professional sports league to include its social media handle on its official game ball. The @NBA handle, which will appear directly under the “Official Game Ball” wording on the ball, represents the league’s global social media community of more than 660 million likes and followers combined – one of the largest social media communities in the world.
“The game is why we have 660 million followers, and our fans know @NBA is a must-follow for unprecedented access to our game, more insight into our teams, and unique behind-the-scenes content with our players throughout the entire year,” said NBA Senior Vice President of Digital Media, Melissa Rosenthal Brenner.
“The ball is the instantly recognizable symbol of our game, and now our fans have a place there too, where they belong.” The official game ball is not changing and will be identical to last season with the exception of the @NBA addition. Spalding has been the Official Game Ball of the NBA since 1983.
- Former NBA All Star Vin Baker is auctioning off his Gold Medal from the 2000 Sydney Olympics. The Gold Medal is listed on Grey Flannel Options with an opening bid starting at $35,000. Details of the medal are listed on the site, and bidding closes on August 20th: The gold-plated silver medal weighs 6.85 oz, is 5mm thick and measures 68mm across. It is attached to a 39” turquoise-blue ribbon embroidered with “SYDNEY 2000” in silver. The medal features a design by Australian designer Wojciech Pietranik; it depicts Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, seated above the stadium and chariot along with “XXVII OLYMPIAD SYDNEY 2000”. This translates to “Games of the 27th Olympiad Sydney 2000”. The artist’s initials “WP” appear at the bottom of the design in relief.
Esau Howard is a regular contributor to Sheridan Hoops. You can follow him on Twitter at @EsauTheFirst.
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