The Wizards big three down to one...Playoffs?

Farewell to the man who was, as Bill Simmons described him, "a veteran of the lottery process."

Apparently our secret's out...

In Swirsky's latest edition of orginazational "reporting" (though it seems he might be the only media they've let in to watch practice), he leaves a juicy tidbit that might be a harbinger for Thabo's expected playing time (about three quarters down):

Steve from Galena, IL: Chuck, can Thabo Sefolosha deliver?

Chuck: Vinny Del Negro and the staff will give him every opportunity to succeed and play this year. The rest is up to the player. I have not seen a lot of Thabo the past two years but I can tell you that pro personnel people love his upside and athleticism. He should be able to thrive in Coach Del Negro's system.

Pretty impressive actually !

Bulls players discuss the difficulties learning a new system.

Ben Gordon missed a portion of the Bulls' 3-hour-15-minute practice Monday after jamming his toe. Gordon also is nursing a sore ankle, although coach Vinny Del Negro said neither injury is serious and Gordon hasn't sat for an entire practice.

Michael Ruffin and Joakim Noah remain out with ankle and eye injuries, respectively. Del Negro said Aaron Gray returned from his sprained ankle to participate in certain drills during Monday's practice. The Bulls begin exhibition play Thursday at home against Dallas.

Less than two weeks ago, the Heat and the Bulls still were discussing a sign-and-trade deal that would have sent Ben Gordon and Andres Nocioni to Miami in exchange for Shawn Marion. The talks died when the Bulls came to the conclusion that they'd be unable to re-sign Marion after his contract expires at the conclusion of this season, sources told ESPN.com.

Was surprised to find these updated as there was nothing on espn.com indicating they'd done so. There's no text for Ben Gordon, but all the other rotation players have had their player cards updated.

Essentially, the Daily Herald writer does not think the Bulls are gunning for that summer, nor should they be...