An Open Mic Conversation on The World of Sports

Donald: We’re having an open mic this week. The floor is open for anything that anyone wants to talk about regarding sports. Any sport, any team, it’s all on the table. Who wants to get it started?

John: I’ll kick it off with my thoughts on the Cubs and the rumors swirling around. Some people are suggesting that they might move Kris Bryant. On top of that, others are saying that Javier Baez and Wilson Contreras are on the trade block. If these trades are indeed pulled off, the Cubs are announcing to the world that they are rebuilding and not trying to win now. Overall, their offseason should prove to be more exciting than that of the White Sox.

Patrick: I was going to jump right into my thoughts on the NBA but now I’m a little shook hearing about the Cubs players who might be on the move. I think I am somewhat okay with Bryant leaving but I think Baez is the heart of the team and that would hurt a little bit. Maybe with the new coach they could work with what they have, but we will have to see what happens. As for the NBA, the Lakers are still looking good, as is Milwaukee, so I am looking forward to that potentially being the Finals matchup come June.

Russell: This has been a very disappointing year for the Chicago teams. The Bears are the best in the city right now, and so far, everyone else--Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, Sox--are too far away from the Bears. The Bulls are young with talent: C. White, W. Carter, Z. LaVine, L. Markkanen, and D. Valentin; all they need is one true and proven veteran to help groom the young guys.

Donald: Let’s flip over to the WNBA. I wanted to talk about the Chicago Sky, and just point out Courtney Vandersloot and how well she has been coming along lately. Also, the new player on the Sky, Katie Lou Samuelson, is playing over in the European league and she’s putting up about 26 points per game. Her rebounds and assists have gone up as well. Is there going to be a new big name on the block? The Sky are good at bringing up and developing players that are on standby. Samuelson is looking like she might develop into the Magic Johnson of the WNBA.

John: I don’t particularly follow the WNBA but I did want to add something about the NBA. In a couple of days (as of this recording) there will be a possible Finals preview as the Lakers travel to Milwaukee to take on the Bucks. That should be a ratings bonanza as the Greek Freak (Giannis Antetokounmpo) takes on LeBron.

Patrick: While we’re still on basketball I feel like I have to mention how well DePaul is playing lately. They have caught my attention and I think it will get me to follow them a little bit closer as I should have been doing these past few seasons.

Russell: I think the other teams will be better and eventually catch up with the Bears, but in the meantime, "Come on, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, and Sox, let's catch up, boys!" Happy New Year to all sports fans! Root for your team--win or lose.

Donald: Thank you gentlemen for your thoughts, and from all of us at SportsWise we hope everyone had a happy holiday season!