Finally it’s here.  And with the Bulls team still in tact.  Game 1 @ New Jersey tonight at 6:30 CST.  The only other question(s) that will be answered tonight is the fate of Deng and Gordon’s contract extensions.  With the deadline at midnight tonight, there are only a few hours left.   Reportedly, Deng is closer to signing something, while Gordon may have to wait for the offseason to try to earn more.  My guess is that any contract the Bulls offered Gordon is well in the low-ball range, since apparently signing him restricts him from being traded for Kobe or anyone else this season.  In addition, the Bulls have the right to match any offer for him in the offseason made by any other team.  It’s sad, but it makes sense in the business sense.  Personally, I like Gordon, especially on our defensive minded team that we have, since he has been our main scoring option and kind of go-to guy in the clutch. 

Jason Kidd, Vince Carter, and the Nets are stronger than most people realize.  If they are healthy this year, I expect them to be a top 5 team in the East, and definitely playoff bound.  Tonight should be interesting.  I hope we bring it like last year’s opener.  When the Heat knocked the Bulls out of the 2006 playoffs, we had a chance to "remedy" it by playing them the first game of last season a (Bulls won by 42 points).  Much like last year, we are playing a team that beat us in our regular season finale which prevented the Bulls from getting the #2 seed, which may have been big. 

I found this MJ video on YouTube.  It’s from early on his rookie year, his 9th game in the league.  Some of you have probably seen the one fast break dunk where Jordan cruises through the lane and dunks over and around Artis Gilmore, from the numerous official MJ videos, like Michael Jordan’s Playground etc.  But the rest of the clip is also a treat to watch.  Hard to imagine/remember a rookie being so dominant.  Just amazing.

- Season starts tomorrow for the league, and Wed for the Bulls.  Why is Tuesday’s Golden State Warriors vs. Utah Jazz game not one of the nationally televised games?  There are 3 total Tuesday games, and the other 2 are on TNT.  POR @ SAS and HOU @ LAL.  All good games, but Warriors/Jazz ranks up there with them, if not higher. 

- The Bulls are moving back to AM Radio after last year’s switch to FM.   The Bulls released this PR.

A quick note to inform you that the Bulls and ESPN-AM 1000 are teaming up to bring you every exciting moment of the 2007-08 season. Once again, veteran play-by-play voice Neil Funk and three-time World Champion Bill Wennington will call the action. Be sure to tune in to ESPN-AM 1000, the new home for every Chicago Bulls game on radio.

- I personally don’t see an end in site to Kobe trade rumors.  The trade could happen anytime, including next off-season.  Which is why I really think we need that strong start.

- With one day remaining till the NBA season officially starts, thought I’d re-post our season preview.