But before Patrick Williams gets there, he’s decided he better learn something on the spot, his first time in a foreign country.
“I was in Canada,” Williams said. “Does this matter?”
No it does not. So Williams decided it might be best to learn something about France, at least the difference between Napoleon the military dictator and Napoleon the pastry chef, before getting there with the Bulls Monday for their Thursday, Jan. 19 game against the Detroit Pistons. So when the Bulls quietly returned home to Chicago from a disappointing loss in Washington on Wednesday, Williams turned to a film about France.
The Bulls’ visit next week is a continuation of the NBA’s worldwide outreach with regular season games previously overseas in Japan, England and France occasionally over the past 30 years. This is the Bulls’ first regular season game outside of North America.
“I was just googling history and WWII this week to watch a movie and see what I was stumbling into,” Williams said. “It would be a shame or a waste to go and not see what we’re getting into. Something I look forward to and will share with teammates and family. My brother Eddie is leaving. They (Bulls) asked us about a month ago if we want to run team events or if the guys have personal time to explore. The guys said a mix. So we are having a couple of group dinners and the guys are bringing family or friends for personal time.
“Obviously, I’m a big eater, so I want to see what the food is like,” Williams said.
“Food or quantity,” I wondered.
“A little bit of both,” she said.
“These are moments we will treasure for a lifetime,” Williams said. “Not many people are able to travel as much as we do and see as much as we do, so that’s something you won’t forget. And it’s always nice to have memories that you can share with your family and teammates. For me, there are some nice museums there; look at those and of course shopping.
No surprise, but it’s the first time out of the country or in Europe for most of the Bulls’ young players. Many have traveled to basketball tournaments, though not to Europe.
Coby White said he has been to the Dominican Republic, but not to Europe.
“I can’t wait to try the food,” White said. “You see the Eiffel Tower, of course. It’s a blessing to be able to go to a place like that. Not many people from the US have that option. So I’m excited, and especially to be there with my teammates. They say how beautiful Paris is and how beautiful a city it is. I don’t ask too much; I like to experience things myself and judge. That’s how I am. When I get older after basketball, I want to travel and go around the city and take opportunities to spend time and see more things.”
Rookie Dalen Terry said he was in China for a high school tournament when he attended Hillcrest Prep in Phoenix alongside Deandre Ayton.
“Obviously you see the Eiffel Tower,” he said, the nominal favorite of most players. “I don’t know much, so I will rely on Vooch (Nikola Vučević) and G (Goran Dragic). My big interest is fashion and clothes. Many people have asked me to model some clothes there, so I’m looking forward to seeing the fashion shops and the differences.
The NBA is all about scouting, so that was left up to Alex Caruso to be the early starter for the team last summer.
“There was about 48 hours (in September) and then the queen died (interrupting the journey),” Caruso said. “I just went around Paris, tourist places, my first time there, I did some interviews for the game. It was fun seeing the places I’ve only seen in photos, the culture. Everything feels much more relaxed; loved the food and restaurants.”
Surprisingly, neither Vučević nor Dragić has ever played in France, although Dragic has played professionally in Slovenia and Spain.
“A fantastic city, incredibly beautiful,” said Dragić. “The architecture, a lot of history. And then you have so many things to do if it’s fashion week. I’ve been there for fashion week which is amazing. I really liked Versailles (the palace of the kings). Amazing to see it in person, the gardens, the mirrors.
Vučević, although he has never played in France, is familiar with the culture and is fluent in French. He lived for a time in neighboring Belgium where his father was a professional golfer.
“I went there many times,” said Vučević. “I love Paris, the history, the monuments. It’s a wonderful place to walk around. I’m a student of history and have always been curious about French kings. It’s important to know the history of the world and how we got to where we are. We learned a lot I went to school. I was there for fashion week and I often go to the museums. My favorite is Versailles. Of course, kings knew how to live.”
And next week the Bulls will live like kings for a week in La Ville Lumièr, the city of romance, culture, the Enlightenment, the city everyone talks about since Audrey Hepburn, who said: “Paris is always a good idea” , to Ernest Hemingway, who raved: “If you’re lucky enough to have lived in Paris, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you.”
Have a question for Sam? Send your question to Sam at asksam@bulls.com
The contents of this page have not been reviewed or approved by the Chicago Bulls. All opinions expressed by Sam Smith are his alone and do not reflect the views of the Chicago Bulls or its Basketball Operations staff, parent company, partners or sponsors. His sources are unknown to the Bulls, and he has no special access to information beyond the access and privileges that come with being an NBA accredited media member.
Who is the best player in Chicago Bulls?
Michael Jordan Not only is he considered the greatest Bulls player, but Jordan is also in the conversation of the greatest basketball player of all time. Read also : 10 Best Video Games That Actually Never End. He led Chicago to six total championships in the 1990s thanks to two hat tricks from 1991 to 1993 and 1996 to 1998.
Who are the best Chicago Bulls players?
Who are the best players in the Chicago Bulls 2022?
What better way to get excited about the upcoming Bulls season than to see four players listed in ESPN‘s 100 Greatest NBA Players for the upcoming 2022-23 season? Lonzo Ball (No. 78), Nikola VuÄeviÄ (No. 57), DeMar DeRozan (No.
Who is the best player on the Chicago Bulls right now?
#1 Zach LaVine, Guard Zach LaVine is the Chicago Bulls’ best player and was their only All-Star last season. See the article : Tourism leaders point to the need for more business travel. Every season, LaVine has taken steps in the right direction and last season was the culmination of that.
Who’s better Lebron or Jordan?
Jordan is superior in the scoring department, but James is grabbing rebounds and dishing out assists at a higher rate. Though both players are known for tenacious defense on the wing, Jordan finished first in the league in three steals in his career. Read also : What time will ‘Stranger Things’ Season 2 Volume 4 be on Netflix?. James has yet to claim a stolen title.
Who are the best players in the Chicago Bulls 2022?
What better way to get excited about the upcoming Bulls season than to see four players listed in ESPN’s 100 Greatest NBA Players for the upcoming 2022-23 season? Lonzo Ball (No. 78), Nikola VuÄeviÄ (No. 57), DeMar DeRozan (No.
Who is the #1 Chicago Bulls? 1 to avoid controversy over Derrick Rose. After initially asking to wear the Chicago Bulls No. 1 jersey previously worn by Derrick Rose, Michael Carter-Williams changed his mind on Monday in an effort to avoid any potential controversy.
Who is the best NBA player right now 2022?
From The King to The Spider, here are the 20 best players in the NBA right now.
- 01 Giannis Antetokounmpo. 1 / 20. …
- 02Kevin Durant. 2 / 20. …
- 03Stephen Curry. 3 / 20. …
- 04 Nikola Jokic. 4/20. …
- 05 Joel Embiid. 5/20. …
- 06 Jayson Tatum. 6/20. …
- 07 Luka DonÄiÄ 7 / 20. …
- 08 Lebron James. USA Today Sports Pictures.
Who is the best player in Chicago Bulls now?
Zach LaVine, who is generally regarded as the best player and future of the Bulls, is ranked 27.
Are Chicago Bulls good 2022?
The Chicago Bulls made a big splash in 2021-22, winning 46 games after compiling the NBA’s worst record over the previous four seasons. Naturally, the Bulls are hoping to take another step forward in 2022-23 instead of running in place or going backwards.
What is the status of Lonzo Ball?
That said, Ball is nearing the one-year mark since he last played in an NBA game (January 14, 2022), and is currently in the stage of his recovery where his rehabilitation stalled last spring, forcing eventually to follow surgery in the fall.
Will Lonzo’s ball return this season? According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, there is “confidence” that Ball will return in the 2022-23 season, but he is expected to be “at least a few months away”. “I can’t really run or jump. Until I can do those things, I can’t play.” Bulls head coach Billy Donovan provided an update on Ball’s condition on Nov. 29.
Is Lonzo ball injured again?
The Bulls’ Lonzo Ball breaks his silence on the stark reality surrounding his return from a knee injury. Lonzo Ball wants to come back this season. But the reality of the situation is that he is still dealing with a knee injury and his 2022-2023 season is at risk. Ball recently addressed his injury concern, per NBC Sports.
How did LaVar ball get rich?
LaVar Christopher Ball (born October 23, 1967) is an American businessman. He is the co-founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of the sportswear company Big Baller Brand and founder of the now defunct Junior Basketball Association (JBA).
What made LaVar Ball famous? He is the co-founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of the sportswear company Big Baller Brand and founder of the now defunct Junior Basketball Association (JBA). He is the father of three basketball players: Chicago Bulls point guard Lonzo, Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo, and shooting guard LiAngelo.
Who is the richest of the Ball brothers?
Together, the LaVar Ball family is worth an estimated $10,800,000. While Lonzo’s net worth is at the top thanks to his NBA career, LaVar Ball follows suit. With LiAngelo and LaMelo set to begin their NBA careers, both brothers are individually worth $400,000.
Is LaVar Ball a billionaire?
He started his career as a footballer and today he is a successful media personality and businessman. As of January 2023, LaVar Ball’s net worth is $4 million.
