Seeing as I hail from the windy city of Chicago, I figured it was only appropriate that I write at least one column on the World Championship Chicago Bulls and the news surrounding them.

It is a shame that in my 20 years in the city I have never been fortunate enough to see this magnificent team play live, but I have watched more than my share of games from the comfort of my couch.

The speculation has been going on for weeks as to who the new head coach of the Bulls will be. I have no insight into that issue other than to say no matter who it is, the team will never be the same. When Phil Jackson rode off on his Harley a few weeks ago it was the end of an era. The team dynamics are forever changed, even if all of the main men (Jordan, Pippen and Rodman) stay around for another year.

No matter which of the candidates is chosen, there will be a large adjustment period. Not to mention that a lot is riding on who the new head coach is. Jordan once said that he would not play for anyone other than Jackson; however, he is still around. No one knows for how long, but the head coach could make all the difference. Same for Pippen and Rodman. So many rumors and statements have been flying around about these three players that it is impossible to keep up with what is the truth at this moment.

Jordan has been receiving a lot of criticism lately because of the fact that he said he would not play for anyone other than Jackson, and now the superstar seems to be changing his mind. The man still loves the sport and we all know that he has eternally changed the face of basketball. So, whether he is changing his mind or not, if he wants to stick around for another year or two, Chicago should be glad to have him. I know that I would love to watch him, tongue hanging out and all, for another season. His grace and sheer ability are a treat to watch, and even when Jordan has a bad game it is a game that most players would kill to have in the stat books. This is a man who will always be remembered, whether he retires now after six World Championships or next year after another phenomenal year. The end result is that Michael Jordan will go down in the history books no matter what he decides. So until he makes his decision public we will all have to wait and speculate on his motives and thoughts.

Jordan, Pippen and Rodman seem to have formed an unspoken bond that either all three will play for the Bulls or none of them will. These three main men hold the fate of Chicago’s basketball team in their hands. With them Chicago is insured another great season. And without them it is what we will call a “rebuilding year.” A new head coach and losing three headline players will not make for a great year. It seems as if Chicago is going to be sitting at one end of the spectrum: either an awesome team or one that is going to have a whole lot to prove — including to themselves.

Although many people are sick of all of the conjecture and what-ifs surrounding not only Chicago, but also the NBA in general, it needs to be said that these are major life decisions. We look at the NBA as a form of entertainment, but to these men it is life. We all take our time making life decisions, and we should be patient with them as they decide their fate. Their choices will influence not only them, but also their families. There is more to be taken into account than just their team or coach loyalty. So don’t give the men a hard time for trying to figure out their lives. In due time we will all know the fate of Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman. Until then, sit back and mutter your theories or hold your breath. But realize no matter what you do, it won’t make the decision come any faster. Well, unless of course you call up your good friend Tim Floyd and ask him the scoop.

Dawn Kanoski is a junior in journalism and mass communication from Chicago Heights, Ill.