Um... Even We Think That's a Bit Optimistic

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Sep 22, 2006 2:05PM

By now, we have come to terms with the fact that the White Sox will not be repeating as World Series champs ... well, because you have to make the playoffs to get to the World Series. And that ain't happening.

But we Chicago sports fans are always grasping at anything that might indicate another title is just off in the horizon. Bears' 2-0 start? We've booked our hotel room in Miami for early Febrary.

And now this! Sports Illustrated columnist Chris Mannix believes that the Bulls will win the NBA title this year. He writes, "For nearly a decade Chicago has been haunted by the ghost of Michael's past. No more. This Bulls team is looking toward the future. Come June they'll have a victory party in Grant Park with a bright golden trophy to show off."

This will come about, he explained, because of the addition of Ben Wallace and P.J. Brown to an already strong defensive team as well as the maturation of Ben Gordon, Andres Nocioni, Loul Deng and Kirk Hinrich. He writes about the work that Scott Skiles demands and the roster assembled by Jon Paxon. And while he mentioned the promise of Tyrus Thomas, he didn't even mention Thabo Sefolosha. We foresee big things for both rookies. But still!

Is this some sort of cruel SI joke? Trying to get Chicago all excited just so that they can mock our sad faces when we learn the truth? Sure, Chicagoist thinks the Bulls will be pretty damn good in 2006-2007. We see 55 wins and a trip to at least the second round of the playoffs. We wouldn't be surprised is they even got all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals. But NBA Champs?!? It could be soon, but not this coming season. Right now, we have our Nike high tops firmly planted on the ground ... but any more similarly flowery press about the Bulls, and we all might start getting some silly ideas in our heads.