Jake Fine - Inside the Mind of Fine

Long Way Down

May 12th, 2008 Posted in Uncategorized

For many it will be hard to realize but this June will mark a full decade since Michael Jordan hoisted the Larry O’Brien trophy for the sixth time for the Chicago Bulls. At one time the organization had such an allure to it and in many ways set the gold standard as to how a team should run in the NBA. Of course in the post-Jordan era the Bulls have endured their share of low points and an endless amount of high draft picks go to waste but that was all part of the “rebuilding process,” or at least that’s what we were told. Although it wasn’t until recently that it became evident that this beloved team has completely fallen from grace.

After too many losing seasons Chicago was able to revamp around a young core making the playoffs three straight seasons, including last year which saw them fall short against Detroit in the second round. The turn of success gave fans new hope and thoughts that returning to a contender wasn’t that far, but in reality it was nothing more than an illusion. For the 2007-08 season everything came into focus as the embarrassment year was tarnished by trade rumors, contract negotiations, lack of discipline and leadership. The overflow of turmoil lead to one head coach losing his job and one superstar shipped out to a divisional rival. Despite all the negativity there was still optimism that Chicago could return to being competitive.

In order to actually turn things around it was clear the Bulls need an offensive minded coach, and who fits the bill better than former Pheonix Suns coach Mike D’Antoni? The Bulls wanted him, he wanted the job, it seemed like a done deal, or at least we hoped that it was. Our dreams were once again ruined this time by the sight of D’Antoni signing on the dotted line to take over for the New York Knicks, a team that has more problems than anyone else in the league.