The Bulls’ two-headed snake of vice president John Paxson and general manager Gar Forman eventually was going to start devouring itself. Well, feeding time might have started. According to several league sources, Forman has been making it known that he hasn’t been responsible for the Bulls’ slow fall from the NBA elite in recent seasons. And while he hasn’t been pointing the finger at Paxson, he has been trying to wipe his own fingerprints off the mess. It’s self-preservation at its finest. ‘‘It’s not about Gar staying over Paxson [in Chicago],’’ one source said. ‘‘It’s about looking good for that next job.’’ That’s because Forman knows he can’t win a power struggle against Paxson. Paxson is one of chairman Jerry Reinsdorf’s favorite sons, and Reinsdorf’s loyalty to the front office is as close to a lifetime commitment as there is in sports. So while it’s likely that Paxson and Forman are safe for now, the spotlight of a 26-21 season has to shine on them. The question is, will Forman step into that light or scurry under the refrigerator? If the last week is any indication, he’ll do the latter. Read more http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/...ccountable-instead-worrying-self-preservation
It’s an important question because there have been indications on both sides. There was some thought early that paying $9 million to let Thibodeau go and hiring Hoiberg did put Forman on the hook. But others have said the Reinsdorfs will address the roster next in trying to fix the Bulls’ growing dysfunction. ‘‘It’s become very obvious that Thibodeau wasn’t the main problem,’’ a source said. In fact, in Thibodeau’s relationships with Paxson and Forman in recent years, the source said Thibodeau had more respect for Paxson, even though they didn’t speak with one another. ‘‘Tom knew where he stood with Pax,’’ the source said. ‘‘Gar would come into Tom’s office with a smile on his face and a poisoned apple in his hand.’’
First Thibs. Then Gar. Paxson keeps his job. Paxson failed at being Gar, then got to insulate himself from scrutiny after failing by creating a Gar position. Now Gar is on the chopping block and he gets to hire a new Gar. When does the true source of the Bulls issues get fired so the team can finally start moving in the right direction? Probably not anytime soon.
You watch the games. They're not very good and they don't play well together. Sure hope this changes.
So true. We live and learn. This team did not quit on him anymore than Hoiberg has lost this team. Not enough NBA talent.
http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/...g-deserves-bulls-mess-believing-gm-gar-forman Yup. Sorry Gar, you are not going to win this one.
If it were me, I'd make Pax the coach and fire him when the team doesn't perform up to the hype. This is how Minny operated with McHale.
Not a bad idea. Some owners do just that. Throw someone like Pax into the front lines and make him interim coach. That being said, Bulls won't want to be left on the hook for Thibs and Hoibergs salaries.
Obviously the coaches are doing something wrong. Pax needs to show 'em how it's done. Actually I think he pretty much has been and that's why the Bulls have played so meh.
We didnt play well for Thibs last season either. I think Hoiberg needs his players in here that will play his style. Yes I agree Pax needs to be more hands on.
We were 50-32 last season and won 2 games against the tough tough tough Cavaliers in round 2 of the playoffs. I think the Bulls made 2nd round just once in between PJax sent packing and Thibs. That's a long time.
