From the Bleachers

COLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF IN CHICAGO

The current NBA season has been very interesting, with some unique things happening.

Because Chicago’s Bulls only made it to the play in tournament, I didn’t follow all of the news with as much fervor as usual, but when playoff time rolled around, I was all in.

The first thing I wanted to discuss is Ja Morant. Ja is one of the best young players in the league. He can do things on the basketball court that few have ever been able to do. He’s a young man with tons of talent, energy, and a lot of money.

During the season he was caught brandishing a gun at a strip club and was suspended and fined. He apologized for his actions and it appeared to be a one time mistake by a young man. Then he did it again. Hopefully Ja can get his act together and be mature enough to get back in the good graces of the league, his team, and his teammates.

Both conferences tried a new strategy this season.

In the East, the Miami Heat rested players regularly and played just well enough to reach the play ins. In fact, Miami came dangerously close to losing to the Bulls and missing out on the playoffs altogether. But their strategy is now paying off as they beat Milwaukee, New York, and are currently leading Boston 3 games to none.

In the West, the Los Angeles Lakers tried the same strategy, resting their stars, including LeBron James, regularly throughout the regular season so he would be stronger and more rested for the playoffs. Initially it worked, and they beat Memphis and Golden State but then they ran into the powerful Denver Nuggets and are trailing 3-0.

The biggest problem with these teams holding out their players during the regular season is that people pay a lot of money to go to those games and if they don’t think their team is trying to win, they may not come until playoff time. Because of that, a bunch of new rules are being implemented for next season.

The finals are on the horizon and it will be great to watch Jimmy Butler and his supporting crew take on Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets. The best in the West versus the 8th seed in the East. Denver will be favored but a few other really good teams have underestimated Miami and they’re now sitting at home.

Finally, the NFL begins their organized team practice activities ( OTA’s ) this week. The interest in the Bears is higher than it’s been in years. They probably won’t be ready to compete for a championship this year, but next year isn’t out of the question. Love them or hate them, it’s going to be a season of great interest.

Legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden said, “Things work out best for those who make the best of how things work out.”

Be kind. Talk to you next week. Peace, love, and happiness.