On Tuesday night, the majority of the concern on America’s mind was the election. The NBA slightly took a back seat to the nail-biting race for the Commander-in-Chief’s seat. But, despite the political chaos, Bulls fans did manage to make their way to the Madhouse on Madison to watch the Bulls take on the Dwight-less, Orlando Magic. Even without Howard on their roster, the Orlando Magic were not particularly easy to win against. But, the Bulls did manage to win 99-93 with Joakim Noah and Luol Deng leading the way. Noah finished with 20 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 5 blocks while playing nearly 41 minutes. Luol finished with 23 points and 8 rebounds playing the second highest minutes with nearly spending 38 minutes on the floor. Nate Robinson and Taj Gibson were major factors in the 4th quarter with Nate dishing out 6 assists, while Taj scored 12 points. The Chicago Bulls record is now 3-1. The Hornets game that was played on Saturday was very similar to last night’s game against the Magic. Both games were close the majority of the way until the 4th quarter. This shows that the Hornets game will be looming over the heads of the Bulls knowing that that game could have been won also. But, surely, Coach Tom Thibodeau and staff are working to find a way to improve the Bulls’ offense and ball movement on the floor to increase chances of more high percentage shots.

The Chicago Bulls will face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday at 8pm ET/7 pm.

A lot of changes are circulating throughout Derrick Rose’s life. Since suffering an ACL injury, he has been strengthening and reprogramming his body in rehab to hopefully get back to the player he once was. With Adidas documenting his return, Rose is trying his best to remain positive in this tough situation. But, regardless of the adversity that Rose has had to face, there is one major change that will transform his life for the better. Yesterday, Derrick Rose publicly introduced his newborn son, “PJ”, to the world via Twitter. Yep! Derrick Rose has had many achievements in his young career, but none can compare to becoming a new dad. Chicago just might have another Chicago Bulls point guard in the future from the Rose family! Below are pics of Rose and adorable lil’ PJ!

In Laker Land, there are two big moves being talked about right now. One is new, and nearly complete. The other is old and tired, but keeping us on the edge of our seats.

The first, is that Antawn Jamison is nearly a done-deal to sign with the Lakers. Jamison averaged just over 17 points last season and he’s got his sights set on the Lakers. While on the last legs of his career, Jamison would be a solid addition to the Lakers’ roster. He’s a veteran and from the looks of it, just wants to get a ring. That’s why he’s passed up potentially bigger paydays on other teams.

The second move is the Dwight Howard saga. This is getting ridiculous and turning into the fiasco of last season. However, it is being reported that the Lakers are making another push to get the big man from Orlando. Even with the pieces available, this trade would be “tough to pull off.” At this point, Orlando may have waited too long for the sweetest deal because other teams are not going to court them. The Lakers have Bynum to give, but no draft picks. The Nets have moved on as well. This leaves few teams that Dwight would even want to go to. But if Mitch Kupchak can work his magic, there’s a good chance they’ll be able to get their man.

Well, it looks like Andrew Bynum has opted out of extending his contract with the Lakers, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports. Basically, Bynum doesn’t want to get stuck in Orlando. Woj tweeted:

If Magic and Lakers want to do a deal, each may need to call the bluff on Howard and Bynum stated unwillingness to accept extensions.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 8, 2012

He also added who Bynum would want to go to in 2013:

Among Bynum’s short list of potential free agent landing spots in 2013, Houston is prominent with Dallas and Cleveland, sources tell Y!

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 8, 2012

Huh?

This is good news, believe it or not. Players tend to try harder in years when they are playing for a new contract. That’s been the only real criticism of Bynum so far is that he’s immature and lacks the want to win. So, if he’s playing for a new contract next year, he”ll likely try harder this season, not staring off into space during the playoffs.

For 1st round selections, click here.

Continuing on to the 2nd round:

31 – Charlotte Bobcats select SF Jeffery Taylor (Vanderbilt)

32 – Washington Wizards seelct SG Thomas Satoransky (Cajasol Sevilla)

33 – Cleveland Cavaliers (Traded rights to Dallas Mavericks) select  PF Bernard James (Florida State)

34 – Cleveland Cavaliers (Traded rights to Dallas Mavericks) select SF Jae Crowder (Marquette)

35 – Golden State Warriors (from Brooklyn Nets) select  PF Draymond Green (Michigan State)

36 – Sacramento Kings (traded rights to Indiana Pacers) select SG Orlando Johnson (Santa Barbara)

37 – Toronto Raptors select PF Quincy Acy (Baylor)

38 – Denver Nuggets (from Golden State via New York) select SF Quincy Miller (Baylor)

39 – Detroit Pistons select SF Khris Middleton (Texas A&M)

40 – Portland Trailblazers (from Minnesota via Houston) select SG Will Barton (Memphis)

41 – Portland Trailblazers (traded rights to Brooklyn Nets) select PG Tyshawn Taylor (Kansas)

» Continue reading “2012 NBA Draft: 2nd Round Slections”

Now that the Miami Heat have been crowned 2011-2012 NBA Champions, the focus can shift to the 2012-2013 season.

It all begins tonight with college hopefuls achieving their NBA dreams.

*Stats are for the 2011-2012 season*

Follow the first round below for up to the minute coverage:

1 – New Orleans Hornets select F Anthony Davis (Kentucky)

Stats: 14.2 ppg, 10.4 rebounds per game, 1.2 assists per game, 4.6 blocks per game 

» Continue reading “NBA 2012 Draft: 1st Round Live Blog”