Nba

Out of sight, out of mind. Let's get you updated on the latest in the NBA talks. Nothing. There, you're updated. Sorry, but the message remains: Nobody misses you. I miss the Bulls, because they're not really like the NBA. They play good team ball, and it's fun watching Derrick Rose run around and pass the ball, and they play hard. But I don't miss the rest of the league. The overpriced players, the Miami Heat, the trash talking, the over-hyped, underperforming stars who never earn their money or their reputations.

Bulls fans are so upset with the NBA, it's a small wonder there hasn't been an Occupy United Center protest. Recent talks between the owners and the players union to end the lockout broke down last week, prompting commissioner David Stern to cancel this month's entire slate of games. That means that we don't know when we'll get another chance to see reigning MVP Derrick Rose and his up-and-coming Bulls team take the court again. In the meantime, RedEye decided to take a look into our virtual crystal ball in the form of the video game "NBA 2K12" and simulate each game we'll be missing out on this season.

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.

The NBA lockout has caused the cancellation of the first month of the regular season. It's also locking out Bulls fans from their favorite team. Tuesday should have been the day the Bulls opened the season against the defending champion Dallas Mavericks. Instead, the only "action" of any relevance is taking place inside conference rooms. "The lockout has sucked," said Andrew Hummer, 23, of Orland Park. "After such an exciting season for the Bulls, the lockout couldn't have come at a worse time.

Sam Mack played in the NBA for 10 seasons for five teams. But while his old teams aren't playing right now, Mack still is. He's a member of the American Basketball Association's Chicago Steam. Last season the Steam were the Midwest Regional ABA champs and Mack was an all-star. With the increasing likelihood that the Bulls won't play this year, the Steam are hoping basketball fans will turn their attention to the ABA. RedEye chatted with Mack about the ABA and the NBA lockout. What should NBA fans know about the ABA?

Leave your answer in the comments box, and you might find yourself in a future issue of RedEye. Follow @redeyesportsguy for daily details about Five on Five openings. 1. Scoring five power-play goals in one game is like … 2. What's your substitute for watching NBA games? 3. The Bears are to “Monday Night Football” as … 4. Give Carlos Zambrano some advice for pitching in the Winter League. 5. Whom is this quote about: “He's a special dude”?