Gonzales: Bulls the shining light for a muted sports landscape
Bulls forward Patrick Williams doesn't throw 90 mph, but his surgically repaired left wrist could get more attention in March than the arms of Marcus Stroman of the Cubs or Lucas Giolito of the White Sox.
And given the multiple needs of the Bears, a major singing when free agency starts March 17 will gain only a kernel of attention. They currently don't have a first-round pick, so it will seem like an eternity when they make their first pick on the second day of the NFL Draft April 29.
As for the Blackhawks, the search for a new general manager and the possibility of trading goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury keeps the reset button on.
Can the Sky start defense of its WNBA title sooner than May 6?
Fortunately for sports-thirsty fans, the Bulls have provided a timely and much-welcomed blend of entertainment and optimism that should last well into the spring.
That might not pacify the ambitions of White Sox fans who are anxious to see an upgrade at second base to make a stronger push toward a World Series title.
Without a Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Major League Baseball owners and players, the Bulls currently represent the best chance among the local major sports teams to challenge for a title.
The faith in this team was reinforced by management, which didn't make a trade prior to the Feb. 10 deadline and reportedly will settle for veteran frontcourt player Tristan Thompson after he was waived Wednesday by Indiana.
The addition of Thompson, who is expected to provide much-needed rebound help, and the expected return of Williams, who hasn't played in nearly four months because of a dislocation, are timely reinforcements.
Neither Williams nor guard Coby White, who were deemed trade chips, were dealt prior to the trade deadline. White has fit seamlessly in a reserve role, nailing three-point shots with more accuracy.
White's contributions are part of a greater, singular goal that every player has bought into and provided overdue enjoyment for their loyal fans.
DeMar DeRozan's All-Star performance is only part of his contributions. He has served as a mentor to dazzling rookie Ayo Dosunmu and taken a leadership role in his first season with the Bulls.
After a rough start, center Nikola Vucevic is shooting more efficiently from all ranges. Javonte Green has accepted every role, from guarding speedy guard Cole Anthony to the immovable Joel Embiid.
Following a five-game winning streak to finish the first half tied with Miami for the best record in the Eastern Conference standings, reinforcements are on the way.
All-Star guard Zach LaVine is expected to return soon after missing the last three games due to knee soreness. Alex Caruso, the team's best defender, resumed dribbling and shooting drills. But it might be a rush to forecast that he could return from a fractured wrist as soon as March 4 - against Milwaukee and Grayson Allen, who committed a Flagrant 2 foul on Jan. 21 that caused the break.
Point guard Lonzo Ball should return from right knee surgery before the end of March, which would bring the Bulls to full strength - pending the healing of Williams.
Those developments should fortify the Bulls' mission toward a deep run in the playoffs, or at least advance past the first round for the first time since the 2014-15 season.
Those thoughts are more appealing than wondering when MLB will lift its lockout, or whether the Bears will sign a dependable veteran offensive lineman and/or wait until the draft to find protection for Justin Fields.
Without spring training, fans are relegated to chilling thoughts.
The United Center will host the NCAA men's Midwest Regional March 25 and 27. Unfortunately, the Big Ten men's basketball tournament will be held elsewhere for the third consecutive March.
That leaves many Illini alums and fans hoping for a Big Ten tournament title that would enhance their chances of being placed in the Midwest Regional with a chance to advance to the Sweet Sixteen in a convenient location.
Until then, the United Center and Chicago sports belong to the Bulls.
@MDGonzales