While the Miami Heat entered the playoffs as a betting favorite to win it all again, they have not been THE story of the NBA playoffs. This year, we’ve seen a couple of good stories develop with (1) breakout stars and (2) scrappy underdogs.

For any fans who weren’t familiar with the Golden State Warriors, say hello to Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. This dynamic backcourt has the range to hit 3 point shots from anywhere on the court, and the team has really bought into Mark Jackson’s coaching philosophy. As a #6 seed, the Warriors ran right through the Denver Nuggets (who had the best home record in the NBA) to upset the #3 seed and advance to the second round. They are now in a toe to toe battle with Tim Duncan and the #2 seeded San Antonio Spurs.

In the Eastern Conference, Paul George’s star is rising quickly for the Indianapolis Pacers. He’s proven to be a big time defender, and a more than capable offensive player. The Pacers look to be in good shape to get past the New York Knicks and advance to the conference finals. You may think they are no match for the Heat, but they were up 2-1 against Miami in last year’s conference semifinals, and won two out of three games during the regular season this year. I’m not convinced they will beat the Heat, but it certainly looks like they aren’t afraid of LeBron’s team.

I also have to give a shout out to the Chicago Bulls. Playing all season without the 2011 NBA MVP, Derrick Rose, and further shorthanded in the conference semis without Luol Deng and Kirk Heinrich, this team is giving everything they have to try and compete. In their first playoff series, they went into Brooklyn and won game 7 on the road. Now, against the mighty Heat, they won game 1 in Miami, and are making new fans all over the league with their “heart, hustle & muscle” (credit to Stacey King).

You can follow the remaining playoff action on our NBA playoff page, where eliminated teams are updated daily.

“If you will it, it is no dream.”

Written in 1902 by Theodor Herzl, these eight words served as a rallying cry for an entire people seeking its own homeland.

For men like Herzl – the “father of modern-day Zionism – it was the dream of a new nation-state he could call “home.” But for me, it’s the dream of rooting for an NBA champion. Check that – multiple NBA champion.

Thanks to recent NBA playoff events, my dream of a new Chicago Bulls dynasty isn’t far from reality. It is in “will-ing” distance.

And it’s very simple. Sign LeBron James.

An acquisition of that magnitude could change the landscape of basketball – for years. It would re-energize an entire city. James’ summer signing would even make Chicagoans forget about the Cubs’ latest struggles.

We were present for the greatest “23” ever. Now, we may bear witness to the next best “23,” – err, “6.”

So listen up Jerry Reinsdorf, John Paxson and Gar Forman. And listen good:

You’ve had your chance before. First, it was Tim Duncan and Tracy McGrady. Then Kobe Bryant admitted to shopping for Chicago homes. They came and went. And hoisted multiple trophies.

But here it is. Here’s your chance. You’ve cleared the cap space. You even have some talent. Derrick Rose is one of the best young guards in the league. Joakim Noah is a top-flight rebounder, and certainly one of the peskiest players in the NBA. You fired your head coach Vinny Del Negro, claiming he couldn’t take this team to “the next level.”

How do you get there? Try adding the most dominating player in the NBA.

The Bulls could not have asked for a better sequence of events. The Cavaliers, once a heavy post-season favorite, are suddenly out of the playoffs. James’s supporting staff looked shockingly suspect. And so did LeBron – leading some to wonder if he quit on his team.

Does that bother me? Sure. Do I think he’ll learn from this experience? I hope so.

Will securing the two-time MVP be easy? Of course not.

You’ll have to compete with the bright lights of New York and Los Angeles. You’ll have to keep LeBron’s buddy, Jay-Z, from luring him to Brooklyn. But the most difficult task will be dissuading a loyal man from remaining in the place he’s called home for 25 years.

But you can do it. Splice together a Rose highlight package. Hire Phil Jackson. Hell…bring back public address announcer Ray Clay. Whatever it takes.

Then take him outside the United Center’s front doors. Stop in front of a certain statue. Remind him about what greatness meant to the city of Chicago and what it could mean again.

I will it. The city wills it. Now it’s time for team management.

If you will it, Chicago Bulls, this dream could become one thrilling reality.

It’s that time of the year again. Time to make a new list of resolutions you will or will not keep.

“I’m going to the gym more.” “I want to spend less this year.” “I promise to read two books a month.”
Not me.

You know what I want this upcoming year? I want to win. Well…my teams to win.

Dallas Cowboys. Chicago Bulls. Chicago Cubs. Just win, baby.

Do I cheer for “popular” teams? Yes. Do I live and die with the teams of the 90s? Primarily. And yes, I’ve heard every annoying and obnoxious comment about my fanhood from my friends. No, literally, every single friend has taken their shot at some point.

Guess what? I’m 24 years old. The last time any of these teams celebrated a championship was 1998. I was 12. I wasn’t even Bar Mitzvah’d yet. Needless to say, manhood has been tough.

So here are my 2010 New Year’s Resolutions:

Dallas Cowboys – win a playoff game.

Just one. The following is true: the first suggested Google search after entering “last cow” was…you guessed it…“last cowboys playoff win.” The answer is December 28th, 1996. Tony Romo was in high school. I wasn’t.

Dallas, you’ve had a number of chances to win. Many of blessed memory. In 2003, I spent my night on a Caribbean cruise locked up in my room to watch you lose to the Carolina Panthers. There was the bobbled hold in 2006 against the Seattle Seahawks. I found myself, coincidentally enough, laying in the same position as my beloved quarterback – laying motionless on the ground, head in my hands, helpless. And there was 2007. 13-3. No. 1 seed in the NFC. A blown 4th quarter lead against the New York Giants and Patrick Crayton’s sure first down and possible touchdown drop. Accepting defeat isn’t any easier.

But this could be the year. There have been ups and downs. There was also a victory over the previously undefeated New Orleans Saints! You are oozing of confidence and swagger. And you’re probably going to have another shot at winning the division against the Philadelphia Eagles. Don’t blow it this time.

Chicago Bulls – bring respectability to the arena Michael Jordan built.

Let’s be honest, Bulls. This is embarrassing. Blowing 35-point leads? Losing to the New York Knicks? I’d rather watch the 1998 Chicago Bulls suit up and play – today. Where are Jud Buechler and Dickey Simpkins when you need them? Derrick Rose said it best when he told reporters the team plays with a “nonchalant attitude.” Who’s to blame? John Paxson? Vinny Del Negro? Derrick Rose?

I don’t really care anymore. I do know I no longer have the patience to find out. Many people believed this team would build off last season’s epic playoff series against the Boston Celtics. Instead we are seeing a redux of the Bulls’ post-Miami Heat playoff sweep season.

Sure, the Bulls may finish with 40 wins and sneak into the 8th spot. All I ask is you stop making excuses. Start playing hard. There is no way Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade or even Carlos Boozer walk through that door if this continues.

In the time I spent writing this, I am still waiting for John Salmons to pass the ball.

Chicago Cubs – do I really have to say it?

There’s a reason I saved you for last, Cubbies. You are, by far, the most disappointing team I’ve ever had to watch. Fortunately, I’m too young to understand the “lovable losers” tag. Thank God. Because it was and is unacceptable.

Everyone knows the numbers. 101 years since your last World Series victory. 55 years since your last World Series appearance. Three years, $30 million for Milton Bradley.

Everything changed in 2003. You were the best team in baseball. Clearly, that wasn’t enough. Prior to this season, you made the playoffs two consecutive years for the first time since the ‘aughts – of 1900. But in those two series, you won as many games as I did. Harsh, but true.

I believe in Lou. I believe in Aramis Ramirez and Derrek Lee and Alfonso Soriano (at least I want to). I still believe in Carlos Zambrano. Much like the Cowboys, and much unlike the Bulls, this team has the talent to make a deep playoff run. The question is whether they have the intestinal fortitude.

We know “it can happen,” but “will” it happen? Because I can’t take it anymore. I want a World Series. There, I said it.

So there you have it. My 2010 New Year’s Resolutions. That felt good to say. If only I could make a difference…

You know what? I can.

And I’ll start by running on the treadmill while reading the book I just bought at the half price store.

(I’ve been meaning to finish this post for quite some time now…at last…your inaugural “I’m a huge Chicago Bulls fan” story…)

Every year in Chicago…typically around the end of October…I read the same story.

And “Cubs in six” isn’t it.

I’m referring to the Chicago Bulls. Have they finally grown up? Must I suffer through another season of “baby” Bulls references?

It’s like I’m in a Bill Murray movie – for the past 10 years.

But this year will be different. I think.

Because Chicago has something they haven’t had since you know who. Shedding the rookie tag – and hoisting the ROY award – Derrick Rose has the opportunity to do something the Kirk Heinrich-Ben Gordon-Luol Deng triumvirate couldn’t.

Win. Consistently.

Gordon is gone. Heinrich and Deng are now complimentary players. And it’s Rose’s team now.

Chicago participated in one of the greatest playoff matchups in recent memory last season, taking the defending champs, the Boston Celtics, to seven games. Rose was tremendous, and his showdown with Rajon Rondo was magnificent.

Rose wasn’t alone. Late season additions, Brad Miller and John Salmons, added sorely-needed scoring and experience. But the biggest surprise came in the form of the Bulls big men – Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah.

Thomas has shown flashes ever since he first stepped on the floor. There is no denying his freakish athleticism. There is also no denying his incapability of playing under control for an extended period of time. But there he was against the Celtics, flying around the rim and hitting jump shots. Giving Bulls fans a taste of what’s hopefully ahead.

Noah, the free-flowing haired, seersucker suit-wearing wild child, has faced consistent abuse from fans and local media since draft night. I believe this anger was more directed at Chicago’s front office for failing to trade or draft a low-post scorer – again, then for taking a chance on Noah. But there he was, stealing Paul Pierce’s pass and gliding down the court – ball in hand – before throwing down a thunderous dunk and fouling Pierce out in game six.

Fast forward to today.

Two weeks into the season, the Bulls are an underwhelming 5-4. Not unlike year’s past, the Bulls have been as inconsistent as ever. The season began with impressive victories against contenders like the San Antonio Spurs and Cleveland Cavaliers. But the Bulls also lost to those same Celtics by 28 points and to a Toronto Raptors team due to their heavy reliance on the jump shot.

Up next? The dreaded “Circus trip.”

But reasons for optimism remain – despite Tyrus Thomas’ freak weightlifting injury, resulting in a broken radius and a months-worth of street clothes.

A lot of that has to do with Mr. Noah.

Day one of the NBA season I made a bold statement. And I will make it again – in bold. Joakim Noah will play in the 2009 NBA All-Star Game. Yes, you heard that correctly. It wasn’t his boyish charm or free spirit that led me to this conclusion. It was his all-out hustle, his never-say-die demeanor and his development around the basket.

In related news, Noah currently leads the league in rebounds (12.3 rpg) and is averaging a double-double (11.5 ppg).

Thomas’ absence has also been softened by the arrival of “The Taj.” Rookie Taj Gibson has totally bucked the NBA rookie tradition. He plays solid defense and rebounds. He understands his assignments and rotations. He never lets the game get too fast. And he likes to read the Wall Street Journal.

Combine the development of this youth movement with the Bulls’ previous generation, Heinrich and a now fully-healthy Deng, and the Bulls 78th attempt at life A.J. (after Jordan) may be a successful one.

Do I think they can make a run at the NBA Finals? Absolutely not. That is one thing Vinny Del Negro and I agree on. Don’t get me started on the Bulls second year coach – we’ll save that for another day.

But I do believe Chicago can make a push for the fourth seed – behind Boston, Cleveland and Orlando –and secure home court in the playoffs’ first round.

No matter how far they go this year, the entire Chicago Bulls organization better keep this in mind – people are watching. Like soon-to-be free agents, Dwyane Wade, and the power forward we’ve always wanted, Chris Bosh.

And some other guy wearing no. 23…