the new NBA rumor

The new NBA rumor is this: not only will LeBron James sign with the Chicago Bulls, but Phil Jackson will return from L.A. to coach them.

It’s entirely plausible. Chicago has the supporting talent LeBron needs (primarily Rose and Noah), and Phil is a mastermind at turning superstars into winners of their first championships (Jordan, Pippen, Shaq, Kobe). Also, L.A. wants Phil to take a pay cut (?!) next year. Phil will probably have just won his 11th championship ring at that point, so he can hardly be blamed for reacting badly to a pay cut and refusing to return to the Lakers.

As a Chicago Bulls fan, I ought to be ecstatic at the news. And I suppose I’ll be ecstatic to follow them next year if this really happens.

However, my gut reaction is still that it makes me feel greedy and guilty. Why? Because I feel like we Chicago Bulls fans had more than our fair share of fun during the 1990’s, and it’s time for some other poor city (e.g., Cleveland) to have a chance.

The Bulls could finish in last place every season for the rest of my life, and I would still remember them fondly.