Here's the result Gar’s framing things back in the form of questions to an inexperienced interviewer (no offense on Doug… that’s not a slam, just a recognition) is already the sliest thing a Bulls GM has ever done in an interview. I don’t think it was intentionally evasive either. It was just a sharp way to make for a favorable interview. And I approve of that. But after reading through things, it still doesn’t seem to me that Gar has much underlying plan of action besides "well, we’ll have more flexibility in 2010. With time to think about it, it would have been nice had Doug responded to the “you choose, Kirk or Ben?” question with something along the lines of: “Well, that’s an interesting and tough question. I’m glad I’m not in your shoes having to make that decision, but I look at Gordon as an exceptional shooter who can command a double team. When I look at who to keep, I try to picture an outcome where the team fits together into a cohesive plan. And I can see a team with Rose finding guys, scoring and getting into the lane at will, Gordon spacing the floor for everyone else, and creating a bailout option, and then a big guy (in the Bosh, Amare, Boozer, Brand) mold who can balance those guards with a true inside scoring threat that also requires a double team. If you have three guys who require a double team, you can routinely beat a defense that only has five guys on the floor.” So I’d try to keep Ben, and clear out Kirk and Salmons, and then look for an inside threat leading up to 2010. But I can see Kirk’s value as well. The big picture question is how do you see his value within the big picture context, Mr. Forman? What kind of team are you trying to build, and how does Kirk (who's also two years older and plays the same basic position as Rose) fit into it and Ben doesn’t? Or do neither fit into it in the long run? Basically, I'd love to have some idea of Gar's "vision" for what a great team looks like, and how he's going to get there. Because at the moment, all I see is one or two guys and an increasing unlikelihood of cap space.
Why would Gar Forman elaborate on his plans and vision? And Ben Gordon hasn't ever and will never command a double team...
I guess you didn't watch the Boston series, or Chicago Bulls 2005-2006 season through 2008-2009 season.