No Regard Presidential Previews: Chicago Bulls (Abraham Lincoln/Andrew Johnson)

Oh the season. Oh the season! Election or NBA, both are upon us. We're getting into the spirit by bringing you our season previews (with a little help from the presidents). One per day for the next 30 days—which will bring us to the Day of Reckoning. So please join us on the campaign trail as we shake hands, kiss babies and sink jumpers.

"Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure." - Abraham Lincoln

"I feel incompetent to perform duties so important and responsible as those which have been so unexpectedly thrown upon me." - Andrew Johnson

I know it's kind of an insensitive thing to say, but I imagine the feeling of being in Ford's Theater on April 14, 1865, and watching President Abraham Lincoln get shot was not altogether dissimilar to the feeling of watching Derrick Rose go down with a torn ACL in Game 1 of the Bulls playoff series against the Sixers this past April. Obviously, the death of the leader of the free world is far more tragic than an athlete suffering an injury, but the absolute terror of watching the NBA's most exciting point guard writhing on the floor was one of the most jarring experiences of my adult life. No joke.

The man that took over after that fateful evening on the balcony was Andrew Johnson. Not Andrew Jackson, but Andrew Johnson. For someone who was thrown into such an insanely intense situation, you'd think we'd hear more about him. Maybe we don't because of the fact that—especially compared to Lincoln—he was sort of a douchebag royale. Over the course of the four years he was in office, Johnson continued to lean further to the right (did they say that back then?) on the issues of civil rights and holding Confederate leaders accountable. After everything Abe did, his successor went on to veto Congress' Civil Rights Bill, a move that almost got him impeached. Johnson was a complete letdown after the man who brought the country the Emancipation Proclamation.

This season's Bulls may look a lot like Andrew Johnson's presidency, minus all the racism. Last year, until the playoffs, the Bulls were the likeliest candidates to prevent the Heat from steamrolling their way to the Finals. This year, they will be playing the majority of the season, if not the whole thing, without their star point guard and without some of their strong bench players from last year (Ronnie Brewer, C.J. Watson, Omer Asik, Kyle Korver). They will likely take a large step backward from the glory days they saw in the not-too distant past.

Or, ya know what, they may just exceed all expectations and show a gutsiness and resolve that would be far more reminiscent of Lincoln. Luol Deng and Joakim Noah will need to play better than they ever have on the offensive end. Carlos Boozer will need to come close to averaging a double-double. Kirk Hinrich will need to remember he's a starting point guard and play like it. And role players like Nate Robinson, Marquis Teague, Taj Gibson and Marco Belinelli will need to provide a spark off the bench that can catch fire like last year's crew's did.

While all of those pieces aligning may sound like a stretch, keep in mind that Tom Thibodeau is still Chicago's coach, and I'm not sure I'd ever vote against one of that man's teams overachieving and making a run for the playoffs. If he can motivate this team to play for their fallen hero, to keep the spirit that he left them with last spring, they have a chance to become one of the best stories in the NBA this year. If that happens, and if Rose can get onto the court by the time the postseason rolls around, this is a team that could pull together at the right time and surprise a lot of people.

Thibodeau can unite his team like Lincoln united his country. Or, terrible circumstances can lead to a serious regression like our nation's most iconic president falling victim to a loony with a gun led to some major setbacks to the policies he fought hard to put forth.

These will be trying times for the Bulls, no doubt. But there is potential for them to make this season their Gettysburg Address, their declaration that they remain strong, united and free.

Rushed Pull-Up Jumpers

Pokemon who the team should adopt as its new mascot: Tauros

Headline we'll be most sick of reading: "Rose Can't Come Back Soon Enough"

Headline we're most looking forward to: "Thibodeau Challenges Spoelstra to Arm Wrestle for Coach of the Year Honors"

If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you enter the pearly gates?: "I'll tell ya, Derrick, watching you go down was as bad for me as Lincoln getting shot."

No Regard Previews: Is The Future Anything?

One Game We Will Watch Tonight: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets

Face it: You're going to try to explain JaVale McGee to your kids one day. Sorry. It's not going to be easy, but most things in life worth doing are hard. His game five performance will be a crucial part of your presentation, seeing as that game was the realization of everything promised, but rarely delivered, by that seven-foot six-inch wingspan.



Then he hurled the game ball into the stands three seconds after Craig Sager told him to hold onto it. It was a great moment because Sager was kind of a jerk to him in the interview ("You've had a rather uneventful career in Washington..."), but also because it ensured that we'll never lose Pierre McGee, even as JaVale hopefully blossoms. You'll probably include that video in your presentation, too.

"Then, in game six," you'll next explain to your now-enthralled child... But we don't know what you'll say next. Hopefully, you'll be able to say that JaVale continued his progress towards his first All-Star Game. But it's just as likely that you'll simply pull up an embarrassing GIF (like this one) and begin wrapping up your presentation. Regardless, tonight's game seems like a pretty crucial block in JaVale's narrative, so how could we not watch?

One Game We Probably Won't Watch Tonight: Philadelphia 76ers vs. Chicago Bulls

(photo via @cjzero)

There are enough things that bum us out in this world. No need to tune into another.

No Regard Recaps: Tebow Time!

One Game We Watched Last Night: Atlanta Hawks vs. Boston Celtics

Celtics: 87 Hawks: 80

This victory proved the perfect example of how quickly momentum can shift in an NBA playoff serious. (This is a new thing we're trying: Calling a hotly contested, gravely important series a "serious." Let us know if you like/don't it!) Prior to tip, the Cs were down and out, missing Rondo, Ray Ray, and facing a potential 2-0 deficit headed back to New England. Now, thanks to tenacious defense and a vintage Paul Pierce performance, the Green and White are primed to take down the Hawks in a short series. 

Avery Bradley continued his giant strides as a professional by providing stellar ball pressure on Jeffrey Demarco, particularly in the fourth quarter. When needed most, he competently handled the offense and found open shooters. As for The Truth, well it's clear that Boston's all-time leading scorer was on a mission—almost as if to say, "I used to win playoff series without any teammates before, you know?"  Even more importantly, he put a stamp on the game after wetting some clutch fourth quarter buckets and Tebowing. This celebration was definitely the most critical decision he's made all season.

Larry Drew and court general J. Demarco will look to rally the troops in the coming days before they head north for game three. They need to find a way to more consistently unlock Beantown's stifling defense. They also might want to consider Tebowing themselves so we can really heat this thing up. Just sayin'. 

One Game We Didn't Watch Last Night: Chicago Bulls vs. Philadelphia 76ers

Bulls: 92 Sixers: 109

It's hard to stomach this series with D-Rose sidelined by a horrible knee injury. I definitely watched the first half, though, so while Chicago may struggle to score in later rounds without last season's MVP, they should be fine to get past Philly, right? I mean, I did not catch the second half, but surely their huge lead was enough to silence the haters and critics who suggest the Bulls have no shot at a title without Rose, right? They had a decent record in the regular season when he was MIA! They are built on crashing the boards and defending, Rose won't be missed here! 

Sorry? Hmm? Oh really?

Sigh... this is awkward now.

Sick LeBron, Aching for a Statue, and McHale vs. the Frank

The Miami Heat evened the Eastern Conference finals on Wednesday night with stifling defense and another impressive fourth quarter performance from LeBron James. With the series knotted at one game a piece headed back to South Beach, here's what we gathered from game two:

The Confidence Interval of the Atlanta Hawks

It must be a great time to be a Hawks fan. They finally bested big brother Orlando in convincing fashion, Dominique Wilkins is fist pumping quite frequently in the stands, and Joe Johnson is wetter than the Thunder Canyon water ride at Dorney Park. Not to mention last night's thievery of home-court advantage against Chicago, in a game that was never really in contention. After a few years of pathetic playoff performances, this team appears ready to take the Bulls to the brink.

Round 1 Coming Attractions: Pacers-Bulls

We here at No Regard love our stories. And the playoffs are where each narrative strand that was teased in the regular season is shredded or affirmed. So, here are the first round series as we see them. Thank you.

By mugsy2manute:


The Red Threat in the East never actually went away, it just got quieter for a few years. As a basketball town and team, Chicago is not to be trifled with. Sure, they had the inevitable, requisite post-Jordan rebuilding period, where not a lot happened, and then those adorable Baby Bulls, a favorite underdog of many. Between Ben Gordon and Kirk Hinrich launching threes from all angles of the court, and Tyrus Thomas attempting dunks, regardless of where he caught the ball, this team was fun; they had hutzpah.

But for Jerry Reinsdorf, Gar Forman and John Paxson, that could never be enough. These are not men who can be easily sated or mollified by scrappy victories or playoff appearances. No, these men have a slew of rings between them and when they construct a team, a championship is the goal in mind. The squad they've constructed is a fearless and balanced basketball team, one crafted with the precise goal to win one in and for Chicago. They are here to take back the territory they know belongs to them.

The Bulls have a smart, seemingly ego-less coach in Tom Thibodeau, who runs a tight ship. They play ruthlessly efficient offense and stifling defense. It's simple, half-court ball, the way playoffs and championships are usually won. They've got the undisputed (besides that missive from Stan the Man) MVP in hometown hero, Derrick Rose, who throughout the year has shown he can do just about everything on the basketball court. Carlos Boozer and Luol Deng lead a talented, versatile front court and Keith Bogans and Kyle Korver provide good enough perimeter play. These disparate pieces coming together create an estimable team. If you look close enough, you can see that Red Dawn on the horizon.

The first obstacle to that day is a decidedly mediocre Indiana Pacer team. Still living and playing in the lanky shadow of one Reggie M., they are finally forging a bit of an identity. Darren Collison and Danny Granger are two guys who can play excellent basketball (sometimes), while Roy Hibbert is a seven-footer who actually has some game. But besides these three and the perpetually angry, but productive Tyler Hansborough, they sorely lack the requisite gamers to lead a charge in these playoffs; but, they may well draw some blood. Like the Spartans at Thermopylae or those wily Wolverines of Calumet, Colorado, the Pacers will make a stand. How far it goes against these Bulls is yet to be seen.

Defining Quote
"...The Russians need to take us in one piece, and that's why they're here. That's why they won't use nukes anymore; and we won't either, not on our own soil. The whole damn thing's pretty conventional now. Who knows? Maybe next week will be swords."

Bulls in 5 

No Regard Daily Previews: See You In LA!

Big night tonight for NBA addicts. Not only do we get LeBron James tearing up MSG but, as we all know, live on TNT, Kenny, Ernie, and Chuck will be announcing the starters in this year's All-Star Game.

My appetite is whetted, and has been some time, anticipating what is going to be a show-stopping East vs. West battle come February. The league is chock full of talented talents with neither conference having a decided edge.

Will the NBA's wunderkid, Blake Griffin, get the nod? Does Minnesota's lovable Love have the national presence to beat out worldwide favorites like Dirk or KD? What about the East? Two Heatles starting? How about Chicago's precious Rose? We'll have these answers, and many more, within just a few short hours.

After the announcement, love him or hate him, LeBron will be taking his talents to Madison Square Garden, where he unquestionably owns the world's most famous arena. This is a must-watch. Expect James to shine under the bright lights, bait the New York fans, and perform at his best. I wouldn't bet against a triple-double and some sick, eye-popping highlights from LBJ tonight.

Get your popcorn ready, Association fans.

New Regard Daily Previews: Weekend Edition

One Game That We Will Definitely Watch This Weekend: Boston Celtics Vs. Chicago Bulls


If you've been diligently reading my previews as of late, you're probably thinking to yourself, "this guy is a one-trick pony, all he writes about is point guards." If you are thinking that, then you are pretty much dead on. Can you blame me though? Tonight's matchup of Rose and Rondo is going to be epic. Look for these two studs to try and one-up each other all night long. I expect them to be co-mayors of Highlight City.

Don't forget that this is also the return of former Celtics assistant coach Tom Thibodeou and former Celtics towel-waver Brian Scalabrine to Beantown. (I don't use the F-Bomb too often in my writing by why the FUCK did Doc Rivers put him in during game 7 last year?). Predictions: Boston pulls off a close one, Joakim Noah plays hard, and KG calls Scal a honky. After the game, KG clarifies that he actually meant that he honked his horn at Brian when he saw him walking into the stadium before the game.

One Game That We're, Frankly, Not Watching: Charlotte Bobcats Vs. Detroit Pistons

There are times in life where you just have to be frank. This is one of those times. It sucks watching the Pistons these days. It sucks, hard. Not only is it horrible witnessing a Tracy McGrady that is about 1/100th of the player he once was but the entire squad is hapless. What happened to the Detroit team that won a ring with maybe the most balanced starting five ever? Seems like decades ago.

We don't know what to say, T-Mac. We hate watching you decline. We hate it.

No Regard Daily Recaps 11-4-2010

One Game We Watched Last Night: New York Knicks vs. Chicago Bulls


Knicks: 120 Bulls: 112

Twelve things I learned tonight:

Bulls:

• The Bulls are on TV every night. Even when they don't have a game.
  
• Derrick Rose may not be able to palm a basketball, but he can fly. Like through the air. Literally. No more than five seconds after I commented on Toney Douglas's defensive prowess did Rose blow by him, jump from a few feet away from the basket, shift in the air to avoid Gallo, and throw down a vicious two handed slam.

No Regard Daily Recaps: 11-1-10

One Game We Watched Last Night: Portland Trail Blazers Vs. Chicago Bulls

Portland: 98 Chicago: 110

Hot Deng! The story tonight was the African native and his scorching 40 points, which led Chicago in a dominating performance against the formerly undefeated Portland Trail Blazers. This game was never close. Rose was Rose and as usual stirred the drink for Chicago. Where was Roy? I propped him up big time in my preview and he didn't get it together. Here's everything else I thought about while watching this game (and my thoughts on one game I didn't watch).

No Regard Daily Preview: 11-1-10

One Game We Will Definitely Watch Tonight: Chicago Bulls Vs. Portland Trail Blazers

We all know that the point guard position is by far the deepest in the NBA these days. I don't need to list the names. You're familiar. But maybe I should, for Brandon's sake. Roy, that is. He's a bad man and sometimes slips through the cracks in the, "Badass point guard" conversation. He hits a ton of game winning shots and if scientists examined his body they'd find ice running through his veins.

He won't have time to stop and smell the roses tonight, though. Well, actually, he'll be around one Rose, so I'm sure he'll catch a whiff if he's able to stay in front of him. Derrick, that is. We'll see. The two young facilitators should be going at it all night and I can't wait. Rose and Roy, a true joy. Did I just get poetic a little bit? Look for Rose to continue attacking the hoop and Roy to drain shots from distance all night long.

Not too, too much on the line as the Bulls look to get to 2-1 while the Trail Blazers aim for 4-0. I guess that's a big deal actually. 4-0? Is that a big deal? Yeah, I think so. Only five undefeated teams left...

One Game We Probably Won't Watch Tonight: Sacramento Kings Vs. Toronto Raptors

No Regard Daily Recap: 10-27-10

One Game We Watched Last Night: Oklahoma City Thunder Vs. Chicago Bulls

Chicago: 95 Thunder: 106

The night, as predicted, belonged to the stars that shined in Turkey this summer for team USA. Durant, Rose and Westbrook were all brilliant in a game that was fast paced, exciting to watch, and full of high-flying offense. KD and Westbrook's combined 58 points led the Thunder to their first win of the season, but Rose's penetration, finishing around the basket, and silly-precise passing didn't make things easy for OKC's version of Batman and Robin. The avid fan should feel more than satisfied with this game after watching young, humble stars put on a show during prime time. And the casual fan got to witness plenty of play above the rim. Here are a few observations that stood out for me:

No Regard Daily Previews: 10-27-10

Game We Will Definitely Watch Tonight: Chicago Bulls Vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

There is a lot on the line for the NBA's new golden boy, Kevin Durant, this season. He's been the recent recipient of some serious praise by fans and experts alike, as many believe that Durant will not only repeat as the NBA's leading scorer, but will also be the league's MVP. After watching his effort this summer, I'm inclined to agree with these arguments. Durant's the real deal Holyfield. And he's got the work ethic and attitude to dominate this year and beyond. I'll be a kid in a candy shop tonight getting my first look at him in an OKC uniform since losing to LA in six last year.

Slippery When Wet

Eric Gordon made it rain yesterday. All over these hoes. Well not "these hoes" so much as Tunisian basketball players but the imagery still works. Sort of. Seriously though, Gordon sizzled draining multiple 3 pointers and finishing the game with 21 points as the USA cruised to an easy victory over Tunisia. I hope Coach K was taking notes for the future.

Onto the knock-out stage of the tournament where much tougher foes await like Spain and Greece. Will KD, Rose and Duke's Head Coach do enough to lead our heroes to FIBA immortality, or will Minnesota's lost boy carry Spain to international basketball triumph?

We'll just have to tune in to find out. How lucky are we to get to see the smile pictured below playing in one-and-done basketball games in early September?

Event Horizon: Bulls

This evening, LeBron James is slated to take up an hour of the world’s time to tell us where he’s going to be rapping and sleeping for the next couple of years. This gesture has so far been called vacuous, despicable, ego-maniacal and poisonous to sports. At No Regard, we think it’s hilarious and have imagined some of our favorite possibilities. Check back as Bron’s 9 PM deadline approaches for more predictions…

Immediate Impact: A race begins to give Chicago’s United Center a shit-eating new nickname. ‘The Slaughterhouse’ narrowly beats out ‘Q-nighted Center’ and overnight Chicago is once again the envy and nightmare of the league. Teaming up with Derrick Rose, Carlos Boozer, and Joakim Noah, LeBron takes the Vader mantle from Jordan and we see his heart begin to blacken.

We Got Now

As a fan of the NBA during the inception of the WNBA, I specifically remember one of their earliest advertising slogans, "We got next." Fair enough. Whose got now then? The golden-era of current point guards in the NBA, that's who.