What Mat, Kobe, and Russell Westbrook Have In Common

Until Mat is proven wrong, and that can't be until at least October, he is certain that the Bulls will still be a contender to win the NBA Finals next season.

Hearing this from Mat should not come as a shock to you, as this is about the 5th time he's uttered this phrase.

However, now he has some of the leagues best have Mat's back.

Kobe Bryant and the oddly dressed Russell Westbrook have each said that they expect the Bulls to be in the mix come April and May of next season.

This is no surprise as players will say that about any team you ask them about this far away from the season starting, but Kobe had some words about Tom Thibodeau that showed he wasn's just blowing smoke up ESPN Chicago's ass.

"I felt like Thibs did a great job of putting guys in a position to be successful and they really held it down for as long as they could, man."

Kobe is usually one to tell the truth.  So Mat believes him, man.

Mat also couldn't hold back a smile when he read Westbrook's quote from the piece.

"He's doing well ... Chicago don't got to worry, buddy."

During the regular season the Bulls still have the pieces to win a lot of games.  And come playoff time, when Derrick is back, they'll be right there on everybody's radar just like they were before Rose went down.

Mat just asks that you have some faith... buddy.