North: Atlanta Hawks coach did an amazing job
Time for some more random thoughts.
• I may be wrong, but Atlanta coach Bob Budenholzer turned in one of the top 10 coaching jobs of all time getting the Hawks to the Eastern Conference finals. Look at that roster and tell me differently.
• Hey, the Wrigley bleachers are almost done with right-field seats opening in June.
• If LeBron James wins a title with Cleveland, I think he passes Kobe Bryant in stature. He isn't Michael Jordan, but a Cavalier championship is equivalent to three in L.A.
• The Derrick Rose-Jimmy Butler feud is just bull. The Tom Thibodeau feud with the Bulls front office is not.
• The Tampa Bay Lightning are good. Making top-rated goalie Henrik Lundqvist look ordinary isn't easy.
• Count former running back and Heisman winner Eddie George as a guy who doesn't buy into the New England Patriots' innocence. On my Fox Sports radio show, he said the Pats' problems with Deflategate weren't a surprise because they have had other instances of suspicious behavior in the past and will continue to do so.
• While I am thrilled the Blackhawks beat the Anaheim Ducks in triple overtime, but the NHL needs to make a change to their rules. Too few people saw the winning goal in the longest game in Hawks history. Why is a shootout not allowed in postseason play when it's OK during the regular season? One overtime could be played and then a shootout if necessary. Baseball plays extra innings to establish a winner in regular season and post. Soccer uses a shootout. Why does hockey have two different sets of rules?
• I believe Chicago should have a football stadium with a roof, and I'm not talking arena! I'm pretty sure most fans agree.
• Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers has blown two 3-1 series leads in postseason play with two teams. Overrated …
• The Chicago White Sox are a .500 team, and are playing better ball as of late, but a title still seems 88 years away.
• Here we go again, L.A. is in the running for an NFL team but I seriously doubt they will have a team anytime soon.
• Make sure you watch the 25th anniversary special of all-time movie favorite "Field of Dreams" as Kevin Costner and co-star Timothy Busfield visit the site in Dyersville, Iowa. Bob Costas hosts and it's just excellent.
• Jahlil Okafor should be the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft because Karl-Anthony Towns averaged 21 minutes per game, and Okafor average 30 and won an NCAA title. Plus he's from Chicago. And, yes, I'm biased! Next question: does he want to play for the Minnesota Timberwolves, who drew the first pick?
• Have a great Memorial Day weekend! My column will return next Friday.
Program notes:
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• North's column appears each Tuesday and Friday in the Daily Herald, and his video commentary can be found Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at dailyherald.com. For more, visit northtonorth.com.