Charles Oakley

Reality is starting to kick in, folks. As much as we may not like to admit it, it's looking like we're not gonna see any pro hoops soon. Not sure about the rest of you, but one of the cornerstones of my winter is cuddling up on my couch and watching whatever NBA game is on, even if it's a snoozefest like Spurs-Warriors or something. So now we're left to scramble for quality winter entertainment. I've done some research into sports that I think can be quality basketball substitutes.

Reality is starting to kick in, folks. As much as we may not like to admit it, it's looking like we're not gonna see any pro hoops soon. Not sure about the rest of you, but one of the cornerstones of my winter is cuddling up on my couch and watching whatever NBA game is on, even if it's a snoozefest like Spurs-Warriors or something. So now we're left to scramble for quality winter entertainment. I've done some research into sports that I think can be quality basketball substitutes.

Last night's Bulls loss brought back some memories. See, the worst ass-kicking I ever got was in college. The day before the Bears played in the Super Bowl, actually. My buddy Herman and I were ordering a keg at a liquor store and got jumped by five dudes outside who were trying to steal it. It was bloody, tempers ran high, and it took place in Florida. Like I said, last night's Bulls loss brought back some memories. For a brief shining moment Wednesday night, we took a trip back to the NBA of the '90s, where hard fouls and calling refs every curse word that existed ruled.

The Bulls' history of second stints has run the gamut. For every unquestionable success like Michael Jordan's return, there's one as forgettable as B.J. Armstrong's. Kirk Hinrich hopes to leave a another lasting impression with the Bulls, as he's expected to sign with the team Wednesday. Here's how other players have fared in their second go-round with the Bulls.   MICHAEL JORDAN First stint: 1985-93 Second stint: 1995-98 When word ripped round the league that Jordan was retiring from baseball, excitement was through the United Center roof.

Everyone knows the star athlete. Fans cheer for him, marvel at his athleticism, seek his autograph and snap pictures. But what about the Jerry Maguires of the sports world? Every Chicago sports team has a supporting roster. The team behind the athlete is part of the entourage, in the locker room and behind the scenes. At times, they're spotted or mentioned publicly. Derrick Rose travels with a bodyguard: his former high school assistant basketball coach. White Sox pitcher Jake Peavy hired a massage therapist to help him with rehab after shoulder surgery.