For comparison sake: NFL teams vs. presidential hopefuls
Time for some random thoughts, even if sports and politics make a surprising pairing.
• A new coach, a multitude of injuries and serious chemistry issues have resulted in a nightmarish season for the Chicago Bulls. I always thought the minutes played per game issue was nonsensical, and former head coach Tom Thibodeau, who didn't seem to buy into the philosophy, was challenged on it. What or who can we blame for the rash of injuries this year? Maybe it's just part of human nature.
• I have always loved the political season since working for Neil Hartigan and the first Mayor Daley (Richard J.) back in the day, and I can't help but equate the current presidential campaign run to the NFL.
Here's how I see it. Hillary Clinton is like the New England Patriots, not trusted by many but beloved by some while enjoying many winning seasons. Donald Trump would have to be the Carolina Panthers - appeared almost out of nowhere with a franchise-type figure and drawing much attention. Bernie Sanders is the Cincinnati Bengals - he can only make it so far, but he excites his fan base. Then you have Ted Cruz, who has extremely high expectations, just like his home state of Texas and the Dallas Cowboys. Last but not least is Marco Rubio, who is like the Jacksonville Jaguars - he has only one win under his belt, but keeps telling people he can beat the big boys.
• The NCAA basketball tournament is wide open, according to some. At the end of the day, I think it will be all about the one and two seeds.
• The Chicago Blackhawks are running on all cylinders and their 3-2 victory over the league-leading Washington Capitals on Sunday night was a big win during the regular season.
• How about Tom Crean getting it done with a 24-6 record for the Indiana Hoosiers? I seem to recall he was supposed to be on his last leg this year.
• Any of the baseball pundits who thinks a manager only matters in 5 to 10 games a year should think again. That way of thinking does NOT apply to Cubs manager Joe Maddon.
• I understand the Philadelphia 76ers don't have a veteran to keep the young guys in line, but isn't that coach Brett Brown's job? Granted it's a young bunch, but maybe he should be teaching the pretenders to at least act like pros. Down 20 against the Orlando Magic, they scored a basket and pounded their chests like they were up big. It's a little soon for showboating - accomplish something first. With a record of 8-53, it's simply just unacceptable.
Program notes:
Follow me on Twitter@ north2north, and listen to Fox Sports Daybreak with Andy Furman and myself from 5-8 a.m. Monday through Friday on Fox Sports radio, and check me out on iHeart radio or Foxsportsradio.com.
• 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.