Welcome the half well podcast on CSN Chicago dot com our chance to go in depth in Chicago's. Sports scene this week. We talked to the cap of the Chicago White Sox home opener golf he's one of the most. Underrated players in town in all of baseball for that matter what does he think that -- out of college plus Parker each they're not sports that central. Mark should now -- squeeze bottle -- Derrick -- Next week before the NBA draft and -- -- thought to. TV analyst Stacey yeah. BA finals and whether or not think the Bulls the Bulls Greg would have been able to get a pass from brought a big need for both Casey. But in the leadoff spot we have the man who bats clean up on the south side. Paul Konerko is he's surprised the numbers he's been able to put up the last few years. Ask him that but I started by asking -- about the Sox struggles at home. You explained. You know struggles of this team at home. What you've been able to do on the road. Not really they -- academy just play the game and. And I think it's premature. As far as players we don't look at the records -- cares much about the moment when you look at the overall record. There's some concern there as far as attention you wanna have us -- good as an overall record but. You know it could be one of those years we just have good road record and about home record at that puts as we want -- that's fine. But then again it's not even halfway through the area. You know -- can hear -- -- is still the same situation then I mean -- Chargers that are -- that are -- but I just think sometimes things -- quirky and that's the way it goes. You attendance gets brought up seemingly almost every year since the championship. Do you guys even pay attention to add to that kind of talk when you hear around town I was CC is that the attendance every night doesn't affect you guys this. Players not at all on me. Had a job to do whether there's nobody here or packed house. It helps when you know I don't I don't and other stadiums. When it's kind of a home team that they can make -- a little rough on the visiting team. And also give the home team some energy back. You know the guys at the defensive due to modern grade I mean they're -- it. And it does seem like -- spend. I don't know the numbers are over doesn't like it's been that bad since we've got some good crowds. But if we don't we keep playing well week hang in there and it gets later in the summer will probably draw that are good. It really doesn't. You know I had too much those sort of thoughts on today to get ready to play and -- politics chances etc. You know the front office and -- those guys. When you look at that nine game win streak and then now the five straight series losses. Like I guess it's satisfying knowing that you don't and we were able to put together a lot during the summer seasons we go up. If you used to address the media to say well you know we get on a run get on or what you've been honored -- 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 just all remains to be seen on him at six. You know as a lot of team good teams out there are a lot of parity in the game. It's it's constantly you know it's. You feel good because you feel like here here and then you feel today moment you can go on one of those runs. But every team you play against India and is not one team. Anywhere especially the American League where you feel like you -- as long as -- somebody here. Go through the motions and walk away with a win so. But we've also played well against good teams and obviously you know shall we can be themselves it's on the table either way as well look at them and we can. It's just it just really depends on how we ask you how we play an -- stay together and I think we've done it right the first sixty games plus games and I think we've come and you know our record is exactly probably. Ups and downs probably would it should be as far as. That's what's happened and fielders -- no other problems other than that we focus and Rollins sets the record is what it is. And we'll continue to do that whoever the record was this opportunity and that's where will be hopefully it's had a good place 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. -- illegal leak American League in an average. When you look back at the last few years your production does it surprise you would all the production or is that what you expect from yourself is that do you put those types of demands on ourselves to. 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 play first base the American league for long so. It's pretty simple then 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 as did you know the attention. I heard you say the guy is an underrated I don't know I mean. To you and 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 -- your teammates respect feet from the play every day. You know the numbers on stuff that it sits there obviously and those things. You know you always do look back on people. You wanna talk numbers and -- you know that's it's all part of it but I mean. I just don't have enough energy field. The who. So I. Six -- -- I mean it's just it doesn't it's not helping me productive and I feel it was. Slaves -- that's. Our thanks to Paul's -- they'll -- 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 bowl situation. A report this week mark -- from Michael will -- regarding Derrick Rose and his rehab coming back from the knee injury. It kind of made it look like and things were going well the reason why he went down to see. You know the Alabama specialist. Two you know. Take a look at this thing it made -- look at it wasn't gonna work out what's the latest what do you hurt. Well obviously Michael will bonds very plugged into the NBA scene so wanna make sure that his information was accurate reached out to a Bulls 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 had hoped. He was always planned to go see doctor James Sanders down and 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 Andrews the rehab is going along fine if anything Derek is ahead of schedule so there's no concerns -- the Bulls par right now they're 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 are so on as as we're going forward are you surprised that we haven't heard from start camp. And we haven't seen Derek on camera since the surgery yeah I think the biggest thing with Derek right now is -- it to see such a competitor -- playoffs are still going on he's watching his good friends. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook try to play for an NBA championship -- 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 N. -- only Dirk really wants to have really -- into his feelings on the whole subject at some point I'm sure he will. But I think this is still too fresh right now I think -- -- -- further along in the rehab before serves answered some of those what let's move on to. Little while saying he is working out right now -- 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 Lou -- was package to go somewhere. And you could see the Bulls maybe move up say it make a deal with the kings. Well I think the biggest reason why we probably won't see Alou all thing traders because of the 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 the -- thing 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 where. Any team that has a lottery pick is generally -- team that struggled they're trying to impress their fan base that they're being proactive and improve the roster if you trade. You know pick for your future for veteran player who was 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 -- cap room. Could absorb that salary and give you back a draft pick I'm sure they're talking about. The wall thing 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 injures commit. Tough sell OK 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 to. Have I 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 -- watching the playoffs I kind of get the feeling that the couples is don't have enough weapons on the offensive end Derrick -- is is 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 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 Derrick -- 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 already thinking about what are we had to do to get a second start to go with their grow its obviously. Carlos Boozer will probably the guy call -- much of 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 -- Lastly there there has not been a a bigger critic here in the city Chicago 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 -- As he changed your mind a little bit as far as being the total package. Why should you know be fair was my partner Kendall gill is city's 75 cents because he doesn't have a fourth quarter. I didn't come up with that line but. You know LeBron has been outstanding and I have to give me is do I thought Miami was dead in the water other realist 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 it all the sudden. LeBron took on this other persona. He sort of play the way we expected to play from the moment that you know we matured after his initial years in Cleveland. He had that 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 news column and I think that he's finally playing 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 52 and -- answer them. Mark thanks for stuff -- will be following year your -- knowledge on CSN Chicago about how. Throughout the offseason -- -- had appreciated. Up next on the line. CSN. 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 that if things weren't going now while we just dead. Your buddy out Marsha now -- you talk to some people within the organizations that you know what things are going -- what are your -- Hearing right now are about Derrick Rose and his comeback. Any good high -- I'll let you know reports he's he's in Alabama right now -- adequate one of the best. Rehab guys in the fitness. That would doctor Andrews -- guys. Their top notch. He's doing Todd don't don't don't read into that because I saw those reports and and for my inside information am -- about it inside that you can get. He's doing fine. And we're hearing he's actually ahead of schedule would certainly doesn't surprise anybody here in Chicago and going on number one goes that it. Do you think if anything you know they're gonna have to pump the brakes a little bit as as the heroes continues to come back only five weeks out post up. Yeah I mean you're you're gonna have to you gonna have to scale back a little bit. You know no one there. You know his goal comeback and be better than what he was when he batter when he got hurt. If you look at Adrian Peterson and you know he's you know he saw his injury and last year it in this seat -- mr. -- -- Toward bowl ACL -- ligament and you know five months in the surgery he's right before fives though they gave you some kind of hope. You know -- fans that here we'll make that same kind of recovery inning 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 -- enough before walls at the bird goal or down on the west side that aren't 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 so to represent the country that you know he seek asylum way if that being said odd deep do you think everything will be smoothed over between blue ball and the Bulls when he is ready to go. Yeah I mean you know the one good thing about that and not like he's playing with the dream team you know where she's going to be to have all the way into the ground still law might only be you know playing three weeks. Yeah I think it added that I get ample play when he was. That that's a good time. I hope he does well but I don't see him come out and indeed in the what the that's one of the good things about it but now -- -- that you know -- -- because this goes a lot be. Deeper than he's played basketball -- all things that and to do it you know the you know England took his family and -- you know no one else would. And you know he still obligated to -- to their country to you know be an ambassador he's the biggest name player. And they are host an Olympics so. You know I know a lot of people that -- a lot of people the wrong way because -- read it seemed to surgery -- come back -- -- the Bulls put the Bulls. Time but. A run deeper than basketball for him and -- -- were all week away from the NBA draft. There we were talking about which should now ski whether or not -- you know you can packaged -- -- saying or you move a piece like joked he Noah. Because next year's going to be an interesting year and we know -- gonna come back we don't know exactly where he's going to be. And this kind of team the way it was built that you know this past year was to win. This year or next but -- -- 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 to the NBA draft 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 -- -- straight Joakim Noah on the twenty ninth pick for the number five he came in Tyreke Evans Sacramento. You know you become smaller now. You know you get rid of joking -- he becomes smaller and and the deal probable 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 their their 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 you -- outing in game four. -- rough you know 1415 point and then 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 do win 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 got a brain trust the Bulls organization -- did out there and you know they'll find if it's a good deal that can be made -- And helped the Bulls organization abilities not just stand pat and you know here the cavalry to come back. Hopefully in February and the Bulls can stay above water and they right in the thick of things when he comes back. Stacy as you watched the NBA playoffs unfold as we tape this podcast did the heat on the verge of winning a championship at 31. -- 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 have got past both of those teams. I think that it got by Miami and I think it could be diplomacy you know the one thing if healthy it's always that if you if they're healthy. You know if they're healthy. That definitely you know you see how Miami's pretty much you know just. Got sick you know quality defense in the Bulls are much better defensive team and in Miami is. So I could see him do the same thing to. Oklahoma City. The different right now you know. You look at you look at our team you know. They're the rash of bad luck I've never seen this much bad luck happens to a team in my whole career being around in the NBA are being claimed basketball period. It was just bad luck and you know I think you can do that is if he can't you know you can connect him. And point fingers and make 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. -- against Boston. And -- notables at the ball it's up to number two so. Obligated Eastern Conference finals and no telling 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's 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 how close up below show up and and dealing with the with the cramps in his legs I mean it. It is navy was the way stories are are written I'm sure we're gonna see that video from now to the end of time. When he hit that shot did you have shades of of what Michael went through in the flu game. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- totally different you can cramps and you know you come back -- -- but if you're sick the entire game you know food poisoning -- flu whatever you wanna call it he was playing -- -- you know Jordan was playing 50% and and did what he was able to do but at a that the discredit what LeBron was able to do. You know right now what they're doing to Oklahoma City. Note this is what you expected for them -- suspect and be physical. You expected to see the bar games you know not settle for jump shots he's taken the ball to the after the thing which really surprised me defensively broke on the because they're pretty good -- -- -- one thing that really just you know it's really been a shock to me is they have not made adjustments some drives. -- you know they're allowed the -- game tickets 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 and the other rookies and Norris Cole came out hit some shots and shame that it had some nice set you still got to make other guys -- you. Because those that are too good and that they get it going offensively. And then all of a sudden now they 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 their inexperience. Yeah I think what you're -- you started the with them because every game that they play in this series they've had leads. They -- had not been able to you know maintain them -- the problem is that when they get it in twelve point lead they become more one on one team you know isolation team and against the good defensive team like Miami. You know they're gonna shut you down -- bako allowed just to beat them all dribble and get to the basket if they're gonna make you make the extra -- they're gonna make guys like -- 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 get here and there -- -- -- -- Westbrook. But the thing that they're doing is they're forcing in Oklahoma City into a half court game where they have excuse there often. Seeing opposite throughout this year is -- isolation and it's 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 and I had you know I have no idea is the guy is -- them I did some research on him you know I was completely shocked because the -- name in the running. You know you heard -- you know Jerry Sloan Quin Snyder out from LA you know the old guys seem to be the front runner than in all the sudden man you know you know here comes. You know here comes the guy in the back. You know sea -- Don't want to give the public know when the -- he's done -- -- that he staff thought all our bread and what a great though you know maybe indicate that something these guys you know the other people don't know and you know look at that you might find -- Tom -- out there you know yeah. Was that it is because there's so many years -- one -- -- chance and now look at him now he's conditioning coach of the year this year for the second consecutive -- so maybe they've caught lightning in the bottle with a guy. 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 East 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 left LA I don't think he wanted to leave under those terms. Don't know what Billy read when the camp shipment -- into the sunset on a motorcycle. -- the you know I don't think -- like the way it ended in LA to -- kind of pushed out to be you know to be honest and say that well you know that he has -- -- -- pride in in that's what made him so successful as the as the NBA coach. Those attributes so I expect and be back but it's got to be the right situation -- -- -- -- -- -- go to New York. Which you heard what he says about the -- though. So if that's not gonna happen in Orlando BL you know you want to be a consultant. Basically -- -- GM you know higher -- RB coach. And it still comedian like once -- month Orlando in the in -- -- be you know you gotta be picked out to be Brunette beauty and only had she'll want the 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 we going to be able to have the pleasure to listen you're out of Chicago. Know what man Chicago's own man I love it here I -- I -- working for the Bulls they they've been really good to me about the Chicago Mahan did the best in the game in my opinion. I don't know publicity scandal will dispute that but. I eleven years Chicago man is -- -- got -- it will -- man I'm here one in my career here wanna. I want to be like hawk Harrelson and you know -- -- occur in India like you know. You know hairy Kyrie goes to the kind of guys I aspire to be in Chicago though got the -- -- and that that's that's where I'd like to be I'm not they're nowhere close to that yet. But that mountaintop -- the climb in and I'm all done I want 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. -- kept my latest opinion what's the latest summer T shirt that excited. You know I'm sure people can pick it up at fans magic you know gives little plug here what you -- outweighs our. Rally rally -- -- -- -- you know we try to come up with a fresh ideas rumors start now with these cities that in mind. You know where we kind of -- off and just doing to catch phrases stuff so it would be you know that the its own separate mind. The Bobble it's we got some new bobbled it the came out with more phrases for the people who didn't Wear an -- able to get him at the Bulls games. You know they they they went out they went out really quick so. They have they've made a Bobble Bobble it he used to get those people who didn't get one at the bowl game has like seven -- -- -- That's a lot of fun and you know Braden did that have -- -- 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. -- -- 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 that you -- -- but they'll you know what I'm not even go to hooters anymore I stop I got on the phone call that group I got -- -- came over to -- the. -- production on the you know where the tight certainly aren't -- shorts next -- -- -- -- in my mind that that mr. Stacey King thanks a lot are what. That's gonna do for this edition. All the Cubs well podcasts are they just -- big margin out Steve and of course the cap. The White Sox opener but we'll see you next time of the problems.