It looks like the Chicago Bulls will be getting a fresh start this summer after a disappointing playoff performance now that Head Coach Vinny Del Negro has been fired and some are speculating that LeBron James may sign on as a free agent.

After last year’s exciting playoff performance against the Celtics, I was looking forward to the Bull’s upcoming season once it began.

It slowly became a frustrating year after a few key players succumbed by injuries, and the season only seemed to drag on once the Bulls somehow managed to clinch a spot into the playoffs.

I always look forward to the next season thought, and especially this next one because James could potentially become part of the Bull’s roster.

It seems like the perfect fit for the player with Joakim Noah, Derrick Rose, and Loul Deng as excellent teammates. I would definitely put them in contention for a championship if he ends up signing to this NBA team.

There are many teams who are after James, and I’m sure the Cavaliers are not going to be willing to let go of their star player who has carried the team since he was drafted as the first overall pick in 2003.

The Bulls and the New York Knicks are a heavy possibility for signing though. I don’t see why LeBron wouldn’t sign with a better team–in comparison with the Knicks anyway–and a place where he could influence the selection of a new head coach.

Also, rumors have been spread of James being stuck in an awkward situation with his teammate Delonte West. According to the rumor West and James’ mom, Gloria James, are involved in a relationship.

Some have speculated the news hit home during the fifth game of the conference semifinals versus the Celtics.

All of this led to James’ poor performance and the impressive come from behind win by the Celtics.

The battle for James is obviously getting ugly and personal, and there are a lot of hard decisions ahead of this player.

Most importantly, I think James has showed a lot of respect to the Chicago Bulls during this past season when he started the petition to retire Michael Jordan’s number 23 from the NBA.

Jordan would then become the only NBA player to receive this honor if the petition goes through.

I wouldn’t want any other player that shows this kind of admiration to a Bull’s legend, I will be thrilled to see another great player in the team’s roster, and I think he should be cordially accepted into the team by the fans if he ends up becoming a Chicago Bull.

Harrison Bueno can be reached at 581-7942 or hbueno@eiu.edu