State of the Organization Address
On Thursday afternoon around 4:30 PM CST, Bulls GM Gar Forman spoke with the press regarding the Bulls’ trades and their roster moving forward for the rest of the 2009-2010 season. He indicated that the entire staff would be meeting today to review their scouting plan and joked with KC Johnson that he had an entire dry erase board full of players waiting behind the curtain at the press conference.
Here are the main points that Forman had prepared:
- The moves gave the Bulls flexibility heading into this summer. They have cap space to attract a max free agent and positioned their roster to attract said free agents as well. This flexibility also affords the Bulls the opportunity to swing a sign and trade deal this summer (Hinrich anyone?)
- They kept their nucleus intact. Forman noted the nucleus included (in this order) Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, Luol Deng, Taj Gibson, and Kirk Hinrich.
- They acquired players that fit the Bulls’ system (still not sure what system he or Vinny is talking about).
During the ensuing Q and A with the local press, Forman spoke about the nucleus he mentioned, the individual players included in the draft and what their expectations would be, and what the Bulls would pursue moving forward.
- Derrick Rose has a very attractive game that any free agent would want to play with.
- Joakim Noah was having an all-star like season before he was sidelined with his plantar fasciitis.
- Luol Deng is putting up career numbers, and he’s only 24 years old. (I continually forget that Luol is this young.)
- Taj Gibson continually came up in conversations as the Bulls conversed with every other team in the league.
- Kirk Hinrich was in his fair share of trade rumors but they did not want to lose him because he’s a glue guy and a leader. (While Forman included him in his “nucleus” and made these comments, it still seems like if the right price can be had then Hinrich will be dealt in the offseason.)
- Flip Murray is a proven NBA player and scorer, that when the Bulls asked around the league they kept hearing he’s not afraid to take and make big shots.
- Hakim Warrick looks to project into Tyrus’ role.
- Both sets of players are expected to be with the Bulls (although they may not suit up) for their game against the Timberwolves.
- Vinny Del Negro did a good job acclimating Salmons and Miller after the trade last season and Forman believes it is one of his strengths. In the same line of questions, he hedged and said that Vinny will continue to be evaluated throughout the season.
Forman also mentioned the City of Chicago will serve as a great recruiting chip for the Bulls. I don’t know if the Bulls should bank on that since Chicago just made it into the Top Miserable Cities list, lost the Olympics, and had those run ins with Antoine Walker and Eddy Curry. Maybe we should just go back to the days of having Benny the Bull and the Luvabulls show up at O’Hare. Hopefully we see a few of these guys throwing out the first pitches during the Cubs/Reds series at Wrigley beginning on July 1st.
"Gar, the screen says Chris' flight from Toronto is arriving at Gate 10."
Oh, to be the TSA Screener when these gals head through the expert traveler security checkpoint!
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Comment from Jed Kasprzyk
Time May 20, 2011 at 6:52 pm
I was wondering what is up with that bizarre gravatar??? I do know 5am is early and I’m not looking my finest at that hour, however I hope I don’t seem like this! I would nonetheless make that face if I’m asked to do a hundred pushups. lol