Bulls ready to dial back into WMVP
The Bulls are on the verge of completing a multiyear deal to move their radio home back to WMVP 1000-AM, an industry source confirmed.
Bulls games aired on the station for several years before a contract expired in 2006. Unable to reach a new agreement, the Bulls switched to WCKG 105.9-FM, buying air time and selling their own ads.
WCKG reportedly is considering a format change to Spanish language, which is why the Bulls sought to move again. The switch back to WMVP is expected to happen immediately once the deal is finalized.
Hinrich hits target: Kirk Hinrich entered Thursday's game against Milwaukee shooting just 38.1 percent during the preseason.
Then the fifth-year guard lit up the Bucks by knocking down 5 of 7 shots from 3-point range and scoring a game-high 20 points. He also had 7 assists.
"I just want to come out and get some momentum going into the regular season," Hinrich said. "I felt like the preseason, playing limited minutes, playing with different guys … I just wanted to play well in the last game."
Added coach Scott Skiles: "I thought it was by far his best game. With Kirk, it's always the decisions. It's easy after a game to pick apart a point guard, much like a quarterback, and look at all the open men the quarterback didn't see.
"But you have to live with the decisions your guy with the ball makes, and I thought he made very good decisions."
One small step: Ben Gordon came closest to making a bold prediction Friday at the Bulls' annual tipoff luncheon.
"We have a chance to win the East," Gordon said. "It depends on health and us bringing it every night."
Scott Skiles told the crowd they, "should expect another step or two" this season.
Since last season ended in the second round of the playoffs, another two steps would logically mean reaching the NBA Finals, right?
Sponsor signs on: Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf announced an agreement with Harris Bank to be the team's presenting sponsor. A combined logo will appear in future ads and promotional materials.
To help acknowledge the partnership, Ben Wallace placed his headband in a safety deposit box at the bank's downtown headquarters. Wallace will get it back before Wednesday's opener in New Jersey, the story goes.