Glen Simmons-Staves Associated Press
11 Feb 2011, Salt Lake City.
Deron Williams will have to watch (and cry) with his jaw agape. After only one day of retirement, disgruntled ex-NBA Coach Jerry Sloan may be set to make his long awaited return to the court. This time, Sloan will be reuniting with a few former Jazz players as the team’s new backup shooting guard behind Ronnie Brewer. Shooting Guard, Keith Bogans has been rumored to have been traded back to the Orlando Magic last night to make room for former NBA All-Star.
Sloan’s court presence and unusually high rebounding percentages from the guard position will be greatly needed on this struggling team. During his former playing years, Sloan’s tenacity on defense earned him honors on the NBA’s all defensive team four times. This is where Sloan’s coming out of retirement comes in; the team’s struggling on defense. Reports are stating that the Lakers have serious interest in Sloan playing point guard, and may try to make a deal with the Bulls for him as soon as next week. “We simply can’t ignore the upside he’d bring, not with our situation” a team source said on Thursday after hearing of Sloan’s departure from the bench. There’s no denying that this franchise and its fans would be gushing at the fact that they may be able to get one of their all-time greats back–a savior if you will. At least that’s what they’re hoping! I’m sure Bulls brass are giddy about the potential for increased ticket sales and revenue.
Supposedly, Phil Jackson is even trying to get into contact with Sloan in order to tell him to not give up on his desire to play in the NBA. Jackson feels that Sloan still has a lot to give the league, and his retirement is premature for the talents he still possesses.
With this news, all signs are pointing to a grandiose return of Jerry “The Original Bull” Sloan–shocker! I suppose if he is available on your waiver wire you should go pick him up, as he more than likely will post good numbers. As for when he matches up against Deron Williams, I guess we’ll just have to wait and see how the two work out their differences on the court. We all know of Sloan’s distaste for coming off the bench, and perhaps very soon the fans may agree with him.
With this news, all signs are pointing to a grandiose return of Jerry “The Original Bull” Sloan--shocker!
