Can you explain and you know struggles of this team at home from what you've been able to do on the road. Not really known anybody Sammy displayed again in. And I think it's premature. As far as players we don't look at the records or cares much about the home -- -- -- you look at your overall record. There's some concern there as far as that's what you did you wanna have us being good is an overall record but. You know it could be one of those years that we just have good road record and about home record that puts as we want you know that's fine. But again and it's -- halfway through the year yet. You know I -- theory is that still the same situation then -- maybe -- us that are very that are out of but I just think sometimes things -- quirky and that's the way it goes. You know attendance gets product seemingly almost every year since the championship. Do you guys even pay attention to it to that kind of talk when you hear around town I've CC is that the attendance every night does it affect you guys as players. Not at all on me. I had a job to do whether there's nobody here or packed house. It helps when you know I don't I don't other stadiums. When it's kind of an -- team that they can make a little rough on the visiting team. And also give the home team some energy -- You know the guys in the defense you do come out -- great I mean there and do it. And it does seem like it's friends. I don't know the numbers are there wasn't like it's been that bad on the season we've had some good crowds. But if we don't we keep playing well week hang in there and gets later in the summer will probably draw that are good. It really doesn't. You know I had to myself I was so whereabouts are today are you ready to play in -- politics chances this year. You know the front office and on those guys. When you look at that nine game win streak and then now the five straight series losses. I I guess it's satisfying knowing that you don't. And we were able to put together a long -- consumer sees as we go up. If I need you to address the media to say well you know we get on a -- get on or what you've been honored us you know that that you're capable of that. To get the feeling having gone through that and now this bit of a rough stretch that. This team can be in the pennant race. The entire year it's. It just all remains to be seen them and it's it's. You know as a lot of team good teams out there are a lot of parity in the game. It's it's constantly he you know it's. You feel good because you feel like here you're in and you feel any moment you can go on one of those runs. But every team you play against India and there's not one team. Anywhere especially the American League where you feel like you has long since we've supply here. Go through the motions and walk away with a win so. But we've also played well against good teams in this way you know shall we can be themselves. It's on the table either raised around -- -- we can move but it just it just really depends on how we execute how we play in our -- together and I think we've done it right the first sixty games plus games and I think we commend you and you know our record is exactly -- ups and downs probably would have should be as far as. That's what's happened and outfielders and no other problems other than that we're -- well it should set the record is what it is. And we'll continue to do that whoever the record closes at ten years that's where will be hopefully it's had a good plays but. I think all the effort and there's not much else you can do is prepare to play it and then move -- to do. You legally American League in an average. When you look back at the last few years in your production does it surprise you at all. The production or is that what you expect from yourself is that do you put those types of demands on -- -- that. To perform at a at this level that we've seen. Yeah I mean I've worked hard and I don't really. Look at too much you're going to play first base the American League should produce. -- I -- first -- the American league for long so. It's pretty simple and lastly in town we hear underrated. You'll hear Paul's one of the most underrated players on Major League Baseball. He's part of that. Maybe by design because you're you're not a guy that craves the spotlight. And with that maybe comes -- did you know the attention. Word you say the guy is an underrated I don't know I mean. To even comment on that kind of stuff it's means I care which I don't mean. Main thing is you know to do your job. So hopefully neither team -- -- feet from the play every day. You know the numbers on -- that -- there obviously and those things. You know you always do look back on people. You wanna talk numbers and there you know that's it's all part of it but I mean. I just don't have enough energy to do. You know the standard -- -- so I. Six this -- better it's just it doesn't it's not healthy productive tonight. Placing my that's. Look at some. Our thanks to Paul Konerko. The break in Life Partners each and every night on sports net central. He is your Bulls pre and post game host mark should ask you let's get into the -- situation. A report this week marked off from Michael will bond regarding Derrick Rose and his rehab coming back from the knee injury. It kind of made it look like and things weren't going well the reason why he went down to see. You don't. The Alabama specialist. Two you know. Take a look at this thing it made it look like was gonna work out what's the latest what do you hurt. Well obviously Michael will -- very plugged into the NBA scene so wanna make sure that his information was accurate reached out to a -- source and found out that. The reality with Derrick Rose is he's ahead of schedule right now he's an absolutely find the rehab is going exactly the way Bulls officials have hoped. He was always planned to go see doctor James Sanders down in Alabama because doctor Andrews is one of the world's most renowned orthopedic specialists and the feeling was. You don't get as many people have to weigh in on this is he can and it was always discussed about him go to see doctor enters the rehab is going along fine if anything Derek is ahead of schedule so there's no concerns on the Bulls par right now there are very confident you'll return at some point. During next season they're just not ex exactly sure what month he'll be. There were five weeks post up there so at -- we're going forward are you surprised that we haven't heard from Derrick is camp. And we haven't seen Derek on camera since the surgery yeah I think the biggest thing with Derek right now is that it's just he's such a competitor the playoffs are still going on he's watching his good friends. Kevin Durant Russell Westbrook try to play for an NBA championship and I think it's so painful for him not to be a part of that competition. I don't think you once again -- front of a large group reporters talk about the pain that he went through at the moment that he found out that his season come to an end. Only Dirk really wants to really lead into his feelings on the whole subject at some point I'm sure you will. But I think this is still too fresh right now I think he was hit further along the rehab before -- answered some of those well let's. Want to -- while saying he is working out right now are with the the English team getting ready for the Olympics. And it looks like we will see him go to surgery post Olympics. But between now and then we've got that we've got the draft next weren't would you be surprised. If -- -- was package to go somewhere. And you could see the Bulls maybe move up say it make a deal with the kings. While I think the biggest reason why we probably won't see Alou altering trade is because of the a impending surgery. You know if you're gonna trail lottery pick for a veteran player you're not going through your fan base OK we got -- Walt saying he was second team all defense he made the all star team but. He's gonna miss at least the first two months of the season after having wrist surgery I think that's what the situations work. Any team that has a lottery pick is generally team that struggled they're trying to impress their fan base of their being proactive and improving the roster if you trade. You know pick for your future for veteran player who's facing surgery I don't think it's gonna work all that well saying that. I think the Bulls are being very active in trade discussions because they're up against the luxury tax. They're going to be in the luxury tax next season unless they would trade away a veteran player to a team that has cap room. Could absorb that salary and give you back a draft pick I'm sure they're talking about. Luol -- about -- you know the reality is that probably won't happen just because you know I don't I don't think there in a position to trade nor right now and with Deng being -- -- tough sell. Okay let's move on from the Bulls having watched the NBA finals having watched the Eastern Conference finals as we tape this podcast it's 31 in favor of the heat. As your mind change are what the Bulls need. Have have what you've seen from Miami what they could do in the future and what OKC is going to be as they mature as a group. Has it made you think like. There's more drastic changes that need to be made and maybe met the guy a year ago. Absolutely you know I'm watching the playoffs I kind of get the feeling that the Bulls -- don't have enough weapons on the offensive end Derrick roses is a spectacular player. You know he was the MVP year ago we can score about 25 points a game when you watch the Miami Heat when you watch the Oklahoma City Thunder. They have multiple guys who can score in excess of twenty points and the Bulls. You know with Derek when he when he got injured in that series against Philadelphia it was just painful to watch they couldn't get a shot their half court offense they didn't have a guy could attack the basket and create his own shot. And I think the Bulls front office realizes that if they're going to get past Miami. Get past Oklahoma City and some of the other rising teams in the NBA they're gonna have to add a second player who can create his own shot to go along with -- -- I think those plans are already under way it's is that it probably won't happen in the upcoming season because of their luxury tax situation but I think. There are you thinking about what are we gonna do to get a second start to go with -- grow its obviously Carlos Boozer -- probably the guy call on to do much in the scoring next year when Dirk misses the first couple months but. It's a situation were ultimately they're gonna have to get another guy can create his own shot to play with Derek. Lastly there there has not been a a bigger critic here in the city Chicago around LeBron James I don't know by that time. Then you'd think that at all but now that you watched him since game 6 in the Eastern Conference finals against is the Celtics till now. The verge of a champion Brent. As he changed your mind a little bit as far as being the total package. -- should you know be fair was my partner Kendall gill a city 75 cents because he doesn't -- fourth quarter I didn't come up with that line but. You know LeBron has been outstanding and I have to give -- do I thought Miami was dead in the water other -- Indiana they're down two games to one the Pacers had eleven point lead in the first half a game four. And a lot of confidence going I thought they take about that certainly when Boston went up three games to two at game six on their home floor I thought that was the end but then all of a sudden. LeBron took on this other persona he sort of play the way we expect him to play from the moment that you know we matured after his initial years in Cleveland. He had the big game face -- he wasn't whining to the officials all the time. He was attacking the basket every opportunity this -- 68260. If he makes up his mind he's gonna score. Really the only good -- column and I think that he's finally play the kind of basketball most of us who love the game had anticipated for number years and you know as much as it pains me to say. He deserves it it's his time and you know congratulations and I'm what's sure is going to be a championship if not in game five. Excellent blitzer mark thanks -- -- -- -- -- following year your Bulls knowledge on CSN Chicago dot com throughout the offseason. Thanks like I appreciate it. Mark that down the podcasts. DC game here all the time on CSN. As doubtful. Analysts there. Along -- Neil funk it Stacy thanks for joining us on the podcast. Let's talk first up about Derrick Rose has been some reports this week Michael will -- had one that said if things weren't going that well we just dead. Your buddy on March and ask you talk to some people within the organization said you know what things are going fine what are your peeps. Hearing right now are about Derrick Rose and his comeback. He's doing fine. -- and those reports he's he's an Alabama right now rehab and -- one of the best. Rehab guys in the business. He's done it with doctor Andrews has guys. Their top notch. He's doing I don't know don't read into that because I -- those reports and and from my inside information. About it it's not that you can get. You don't find. And we're hearing he's actually ahead of schedule would certainly doesn't surprise anybody here in Chicago knowing our number one goes -- Do you think if anything you know they're gonna have the pump the brakes a little bit as as. Yeah I mean you're you're gonna have to that you're gonna have to scale back a little bit. You know no one -- You know his goal is to come back and be better than what he was when he batter when he got hurt. If you look at Adrian Peterson and you know you know he saw his injury he had last year dipped into the -- against the reds can't. Horrible ACL and CEO of -- up and you know five months in the surgery he's right in the fourth spot though they gave you some kind of hope. You know -- fans that there will make that same kind of recovery and get himself back. As you look at the blue bunting situation you know he's gonna have surgery probably after the Olympics. You know I I know there's probably some people within enough before Wallace at the bird -- or down on the west side that are thrilled that he's playing I really can't hold it against the guy I mean especially everything he's done. And what it means to him -- to represent the country that you know he seek asylum -- if that being said do you do you think. Everything will be smoothed over between the wall and the Bulls when he is ready to go. Yeah I mean you know the one good thing about that added that I can play with the dream team you know where she's going to be snapped all the way to the end of the round -- the -- -- would be you know playing three weeks. Yeah I think you gotta admit I get ample -- England. That that's the good side. I hope he does well but I don't see him come about. In -- in the what the that's one of the good things about it but other inevitably you know part of it because this goes a lot deeper than just playing basketball with a lot things that and to do it. You know -- you know England took his family and when you don't know what else would and you know he still obligated to to that country to. He'll be an ambassador he's their biggest name player. And they are host an Olympics so. You know I know a lot of people that rubbed a lot of people the wrong way because -- read it seemed to surgery and come back and play the Bulls put the Bulls. Time but. A run deeper than basketball for him and Sam. I Wear out a week away from the NBA draft. You know we were talking about which should now ski whether or not that you know you can packaged -- while staying or you move a piece like joking Noah. Because next year's going to be an interesting year. I know we know dare X gonna come back we don't know exactly where he's going to be. And this kind of team the way it was built -- you know this past year was to win. This year or next but with -- next year being kind of a tread water season you may wanna start thinking about the future right now how do you think. The Bulls will address this team and going forward when it comes at the NBA draft do you think they'll stay where they are. Yeah I mean and that is the deal out there it's gonna knock your socks off me here on the straight. Joakim Noah -- between 98 for the number five he came in Tyreke Evans Sacramento. You know you become smaller now. You know you'd you'd get rid of joking -- he becomes smaller and and the deal suitable that there is one out there have to be able to. Have to be a good deal for them they're just not gonna give away they're they're key components -- Joseph came as a big part. Of this organization. He's done an excellent job here and you saw how important was that Philadelphia series when he's doled out in game four. -- -- you know 1415 points -- -- and after that it was never the same. Do that ankle injury so he's an important part. You know John Paxson and gar Forman may do great job they'd built this team. They know what they're doing you know I know personally I've got all the credit in the world and what they do it. You know Tom Thibodeau again is is one of the top coaches so. You know that the brain trust the Bulls organization they'll get out there and you know they'll fine if it's a good deal that can be made. And help the Bulls organization abilities not just stand -- and you know here the cavalry to come back. Hopefully in February and the Bulls can stay above water and stay right in the thick of things when he comes back. Stacy as you watched the NBA playoffs unfold as we tape this podcast that the heat on the verge of winning a championship at 31. As it changed your mind on what the Bulls could really do I mean. Had the Bulls big completely healthy this year the way you see Miami play and Oklahoma City do you think they would -- got past both of those teams. I think -- -- got by Miami and I think they could be diplomacy you know the wanting it helping you it's always that if you if they're healthy. You know -- are healthy. Defensively you know you have Miami's pretty much you know just got sick in Oklahoma City distinctly and the balls are much better defensive team in the Miami he would. So I could see them do the same thing to. Oklahoma City. The different right now. You look at you look at our team you know. They're the rest of bad -- I've never seen this much bad about happens to a team in my whole career being around in the NBA -- -- -- -- Basketball period. It was just bad luck. And you know I think you can do from that is mini camp you know you can sit back and point fingers and making. Excuses you know it is what it is you know you're not gonna go very far when you're not healthy when your superstar player goes out. You know in the first round. He changed the whole complexion of what you're trying to do. At the -- not gone out in that Philadelphia game you look at the Bulls possibly sweep of Philadelphia. One in against Boston. And you know the Bulls had the ball that's up to number two so. Obligated Eastern Conference finals and note -- what could happen there with a healthy here growth in the rest of the guys. As we stand LeBron on the verge of winning his first. NBA championship. Love love or hate him what he is done for game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals against the the Celtics to what he is done now is what you expect from the best player in the league. What's his team on his back and says I'm taking you to the promised land. That shot he hit over top most Sefolosha. And and dealing with the with the cramps in his legs I mean. It it may -- was the way stories are are written I'm sure we're gonna see that video from now -- the end of time. What are you hit that shot did you have shades of of what Michael went through in the flu game. Now. There and help out not out of flu -- the only difference is some cramps and you know you come back from cramp that. If you're sick the entire game you know food poisoning or flu whatever you wanna call it he was playing I have you know Jordan was playing at 50% -- And and did what he was able to duplicate that it gives credit when LeBron was able to do. You know right now what they're doing to Oklahoma City. You know this is what you expected for them do you suspect and be physical. You expected to see the -- games you know not settle for jump shots he's taken the ball to the -- the thing that really surprised me defensively broke on the because they're pretty good defensive -- the one thing that really -- you know it's really been a shock to me is they have not made adjustments on the drive. Their you know -- -- on the -- game -- -- based both him and Dwyane Wade. They're able to get to wherever they want to on the floor and I just think you know you've got to make guys like even though Thomas had a good game last night in. In other rookies nor -- came out hit some shots that came that it had some nice set you've still got to make other guys -- -- -- Because those that are too good and that they get it going offensively. And then all the but now they've become play makers. You know once they get it -- As you take a look at OKC. A ton of talent they're gonna be good for a long time Harden has been horrific. -- in this NBA finals when you look at OKC what was their downfall just there inexperience. Yeah I think what you would you start -- -- with them because every game that they play in this series they've had leads. They yet have not been able to you know maintain them -- the problem is that when they get it in twelve point lead they've become more one on one team you know isolation team and against some good defensive team like Miami. You know they're gonna catch. You down the bako allowed just to beat them -- dribbling it to the basket if they're gonna make you make the extra pass they're gonna make guys like hobbled step below ship. What they're not even party. -- saying hey you know what you shoot that three point shot will give it to you all night long but you know they know Kevin Durant gonna -- he has been having a hard time stop and Westbrook. But the thing that they're doing is they're forcing in Oklahoma City into a half court game where they have to execute their offense and seeing out -- throughout this series is basically isolation and has been taken away from. I gotta ask you what do you think the league is thinking right now about Michael Jordan and his decision to hire saint John's assistant Mike Dunlap as his new head coach or your thoughts on that. You know what I had you know I have no idea -- the guy is it them I did some research on them you know I was completely shocked if he -- name in the running. You know you heard Bryant's you know Jerry Sloan. Quin Snyder out from LA you know the old guys seem to be the front -- than in all the sudden man you know you know here comes. You know here comes the guy in the back. You know sea biscuit. Only the public know when the rate he's nothing at all that he can't solve all the thoroughbred deliberate self you know maybe indicate that something -- guys you know the other people don't know and you know look at that you might -- the top pivotal out there you know content you -- Was this is because there's so many years no one game a chance and now look at him now he's in -- coach of the year this year. For the second consecutive past so maybe they've caught lightning in a bottle with his -- Speaking of coaches your former coach Phil Jackson is on HBO real sports last I don't know if you had a chance to see it. Very very good story Andrea Kramer is. Handling it with. With coach Jackson at his home in Montana he's had the replacement surgery he thinks he's gonna be you know able to play tennis at the end of the summer. You've got the sense Stacy that he wants back in the game whether it is to be a head coach again or to be president of a team. He was intrigued by the Orlando job but said you know what I don't wanna go. That Far -- I wanna stay out west do you think your former coach the zen master. Is gonna eventually get back in the game. Yeah I think he will I think you know under the circumstances that he's left LA I don't think he wanted to leave under those terms. Don't know what Billy read it when -- camp shipment ride into the sunset on a motorcycle. Should bolster you know I don't think you like the way it ended in LA to the kind of pushed out to be you know to be honest and say that well yeah. You know he had an ego -- pride in and that was made him so successful as the NBA coach. Those attributes so I expect and be back -- but it's got to be the right situation is -- by -- go to New York. Which you heard what you said about the Cubs though. So if that's not gonna happen in Orlando deal you know you want to be a consultant. Basically be to GM you know higher price ought to be -- And it deal will come me in my once a month to Orlando and and it is beyond that you you've got to be big time to be doing that he would -- -- -- once a month. Speaking of big time I gotta ask you this it do you have aspirations. To be on the national stage TV wise. On a full time basis I know you do it a lot so when you're not doom Bulls games here in Chicago -- -- have those aspirations are. Are we going to be able to have the pleasure to listen zero it's. You know what man Chicago's home and I love it here I loved working for the Bulls they've they've been really good to me about the Chicago fans of the best in the NBA in my opinion. I know the Oklahoma City scandal would dispute that but. I'm Lebanese Chicago man as long as Chicago -- in Eagles want me man I'm here I want in my career here when it. I -- be like hawk Harrelson and you know Johnny re occur in India like you know. You know Gary Kyrie goes to the kind of guys I fired at the Chicago though got the -- man and that that's that's where I'd like to be I'm not they're nowhere -- today yet. But that the mountaintop I'll have a climb and when I'm all done -- -- people to talk to me talk about me in that same light as those guys. But one thing you have on all of those icons. Here in Chicago you have your own gear state snapped a lot. Latest I could give -- what's the latest summer T shirt that's exciting you know I'm sure people can pick it up at fans magic you know gives little plug here -- -- outweighs -- We're always rally keyed by -- -- you know we try to come up with some fresh ideas -- -- not windy city is that the line. You know where we kind of rain -- -- did -- the catch -- stuff so it would be you know will be its own separate mine. The bubble it's we got some new bobbled it came out with more phrases for the people who do when I'm able to get him at the Bulls game. You know they they they went out they went out really quick so. And they've made a Bobble Bobble it he used to get those people who didn't get one of the bowl game has like seven or eight races so. That's a lot of fun and you know maybe this is have fun if you wanna go there go to WWW. 21. Day asking. Dot com you can pick up anything you want. Stacey is the best thanks for joining us have a great summer we'll talk to you soon. Federer is happy that I'm on your show me because you know what you are big time when I get a call from what. He called me is that what they'll what they'll you know what I'm not even go to hooters anymore -- stop in fact I got on the phone all the -- -- got absolutely came over the -- the. I'm pretty hard. You know where the tide certainly aren't -- shorts next on anybody in my mind that that's your Stacey King thanks a lot are what. That's gonna do -- This edition of the Cubs well podcasts are things the -- big margin out speed and of course that cap. The White Sox opener but we'll see you next time of the club.