Joining us now Comcast sports that NBA insider -- view her and -- with Danny Granger out for three months it looked like the Pacers would be the bulls' biggest competition in the central. And with what we've seen thus far from the Bulls and certainly the uncertainty of when Rose -- -- Do you do you consider the Bulls the favorite to win the division with Granger being out. Actually I don't and I didn't have the paces as the number one challenger. I believe that the Milloy at Milwaukee Bucks are for real and what they have and this is just as simply it's a soft division the Bulls will -- and be right there. But I like some of the changes that the bucks have made the bioterrorist is showing that. He can certainly play in this league I liked being bringing back Ilyasova they're a smaller team but they're playing fast. And I believe that's going to be a challenge to the rest of these teams particularly in the division who liked to play at a slower pace. And one guy whose stock may be rising here Ricky is it's joking no we you know we wondered where the Bulls were gonna get the scoring with Rose -- I think a lot of us. Thought junkie would be that guy that would pick up the slack or do -- bulk of it. Are we looking at a breakout year from Joseph team in your opinion. Certainly they're going to need it if they are going to go anywhere and if he keeps this up you have to be up for all star consideration he may be the most unusual all star that we ever see it we've seen a few. Just because of the un orthodox nature of his game but he's always been a very high IQ guy is always been a very high energy player. And very deceptive in his ability to use. Both hands around the basket. Maintaining and developing more confidence in that perimeter shot is going to be needed him to be able to maintain this pace. We've seen guys have street before and am able to sustain it as teams start the game plan and take things away that's gonna be that talent in the next step for joking. Rick Phil Jackson a big topic always here in Chicago of course around the league doesn't return to the Lakers. The Lakers say it was eight basketball decision to go with Dan Tony as you sit through this story in the wreckage idiot kicker that. If if you're saying that Jim buss didn't wanna give the basketball Phil Jackson yet that that's a basketball decision. Ultimately look bit. Tim boss as methodically tried to take away every. Remnant that Phil Jackson. Every and a bit of impact that he's had on this franchise. Feeling that one he wanted to see the franchise go back to showtime. And do that Phil Jackson. Created a shadow that basically overshadowed him and his presence and Jim buss wants to step forward. And the the front man to a certain extent with this franchise he couldn't do that with Phil Jackson he wasn't gonna get credit. If Phil Jackson was there so ultimately the idea was lets. Placate our fan base of 90% of which told the LA times that they wanted to build back that's the last thing Tim wanted. Let's make it appears that we try. And bills demands and the situation was simply too great for us to get a deal and then let's go to Mike and Tony who plays the style. The -- want -- to two chances to get -- to begin with for me it's actually the best basketball choice. Because I'm not convinced that the Lakers as constituted are a championship team. I don't believe that there are great defense team nor are they going to measurably improve with the Colts the national Kobe Bryant and -- that a world peace. And older -- it's all and a Dwight Howard coming back from back surgery so in that case why not get a coach. Who might be able to offensively utilize all the multiple weapons that you have particularly Steve Nash Mike D'Antoni has a much better chance of doing that. I believe that Phil Jackson would have with the triangle. So I believe that they will be as good as they can be is that going to be good enough to win it that championship. Not so sure about that. One last thing you know Rick we know Phil has an ego he turned out Orlando last year that wasn't the right fit for him for travel reasons or whatnot. With this latest jolt from the Lakers. Do you think this sparks filled to get back in the league with another team sooner rather than later. I guess I am I have no doubt and have been hearing for about a year that bill was interested. In getting back in the league he talked the Portland. Last summer about being more than a mentor and an overseer of the basketball operations. That's really where he wants to get to at this point people are obviously wanna hire him because of his head coaching -- -- He'd like to get off the bench and be able to run an organization. That's gonna be a little bit of a tougher -- so what he is trying to present is hey look I will comment and coach and I will mentor. A replacement. But I also want authority in the front office I can show you that I can build a team in that regard. I do believe that Phil Jackson will be back in the league at some point you but -- Seattle and their ability to get a franchise back there because his son is involved with the development of an arena in Seattle. But one way or another if there's an opening where Phil Jackson can get in there. And have some control over the basketball operations. I would expect if you're gonna see him back. Maybe in conjunction with being on the bench. But certainly in some way back with an NBA team he is Comcast sports that NBA insider Rick speaker Rick thanks for the knowledge is always in we'll -- down the road. -- --