Hooped Up

FreeDarko is one of the biggest blogs on the planet and not just in the basketball world. As evidence, shoe maker giant Adidas has linked up with FreeDarko to pedal their new line of Addidas Commander and Creator kicks. Using an illustrated Dwight Howard and Derrick Rose and a narrative by Chali 2na from Jurassic 5, these commercials hit there mark perfectly and are beautiful to watch. This collabo is a match made in sneaker ad heaven.

Check out the inner-workings of NBA Rookie of the Year Derrick Rose after the jump.
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The Bulls got bounced from the playoffs after seven games with the Celtics in easily the best first round series I’ve ever seen in my life. So the Bulls players have nothing to hang their heads about and it’s time for them to off-season party. Judging by these pictures of Joakim Noah on the beach in St. Barts with his mystery topless girlfriend, the partying is well underway!

More of the Joakim Noah and his mystery girlfriend after the jump.

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If you aren’t lovin’ the Bulls versus Celtics series you just don’t like basketball. This series was destine to go 7 games and last night Rookie of the Year Derrick Rose made sure of that by blockin’ Rajon Rondo’s game winning shot attempt, ending the triple OT madness at the United Center. I really don’t know who’ll with this bad boy, but I’m sure game 7 will be be a helluva game.

Ben Gordon might have a strained left hamstring, but his sense of humor and shooting touch are still intact. 

“He will undergo an MRI exam today, which will help determine if he can play in Game 5 on Tuesday in Boston. “I was driving and I heard something pop,” said Gordon, who incurred the injury while shooting in the second quarter. “It’s sore; hopefully it’s not too serious. I’m going to do what I need to do [to play].” Gordon rode a stationary bike near theBulls’ bench during the third quarter to keep the hamstring loose. “It started affecting me right away,” he said. “I couldn’t do some of the things I wanted to do. But a game like that, you’ve got to play through it.” Gordon’s celebratory gesture after drilling the tying three-pointer at the end of the first overtime likely will draw a fine from the league. “If Mr. [David] Stern asks, it was my groin [bothering him],” Gordon joked.”

Via Chicago Sun Times

Despite heavy competition from a strong rookie class, Bulls point guard Derrick Rose was a runaway winner today in the voting for the NBA’s Eddie Gottlieb Trophy as the 2008-09 T-Mobile Rookie of the Year.

Rose was officially presented with the award at a news conference at a North Shore hotel. He also will be presented with it again before Game 3 of the Bulls’ first-round series with the Boston Celtics on Thursday night at the United Center. Commissioner David Stern is expected to be on hand for the honor.

Chicago Times

The Chicago Bulls are terrible and the Washington Wizards are worse! But when the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama shows up courtside at the Verizon Center to watch them battle. It becomes a historic match up and future Jeopardy question.

Until February 27, 2009, it was 10 years since the last time a President was in attendance for an NBA game. It was also the first time somebody drank an actual glass of beer at a game since probably — ever. Obama received a standing ovation as he entered the arena, delaying the start of the 113-90 thumping his hometown Bulls eventually received and left a few minutes early like any regular fan on the wrong side of a blowout would.

This guy is too awesome!!!

Video of Barack Obama at the Verizon Center after the jump.

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General Manager John Paxson is probably on his way out and the Chicago Bulls have a powerful fan that has experience running large organizations — like the free world. Boy, do I ever have a great idea for the Bulls to attract free agents for at least 4 years.

Recently, the Bulls were invited to the White House by the freshest President ever, Barack Obama and some how they need to leverage this to negotiate with free agents this summer and beyond.

If I was Jerry Reinsdorf,  I would hire Barack Obama to be the Bulls GM and have him call free agents on his down time.

What player in their right mind wouldn’t sign with the Bulls if Barack Obama, GM of the Chicago Bulls — and the free world called them? Traders to the flag, that’s who! Continue »

The Bulls are feeling nostalgic again and have made a trade to bring back another former Chicago Bull. 

This deal has Larry Hughes going to the Knicks in exchange for Thomas, Jerome James and Anthony Roberson going to the Chicago Bulls.

“I played with Tim for a couple years and had him in Phoenix. I didn’t have any problem with him. I enjoyed playing with him,” Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro said. “That was a long time ago. I’ll sit down and talk to Tim, tell him what I expect from him, what his role is. I expect him to be professional and go do his job. He has the ability to help us.

Yesterday, the Bulls made a trade to bring back former Chicago Bull Brad Miller from the Sacramento Kings.

Via Chicago Tribune

The Bulls, Kings and Blazers played lets make a deal today and seven players ended up with new jerseys and addresses.

“The Chicago Bulls and Sacramento Kings have reached tentative agreement on a trade sending Andres Nocioni, Drew Gooden, Michael Ruffin and Cedric Simmons to the Kings for Brad Miller and John Salmons, front-office sources said on Wednesday.

The Kings would then turn around and ship Ruffin to the Portland Trail Blazersfor forward Ike Diogu and cash considerations.”

Another year goes by and the throwback jersey collection of Drew Gooden grows — with more Drew Gooden jerseys.

Via ESPN

Last nights, NBA Skills Challenge was horri-ful (horrible + awful)! Seriously, for a moment I thought they changed the contest rules to whoever got through the course the fasted lost.

Derrick Rose, Devin Harris, Mo Williams, and Tony Parker navigated the skills course as fast as my Dad drives his ole New Yorker on Sundays. And all the competitors looked about as thrilled as I do when I get a credit card bill. 

Anyway, with all the energy Derrick Rose saved at least he gave us a spectacular finish!