John Paxson started his journey with the Chicago Bulls Organization as a player in 1985. After his playing days he retired and joined Phil Jackson coaching staff for a year. He thought it was too demanding on his time and joined Neil Funk broadcasting Bulls games on the radio. After many years of analyzing the Bulls on the radio and breaking them down every night he became the Chicago Bulls General Manager in 2003 replacing Jerry Krause who was the Bulls General manager for many years during their dynasty years. John Paxson had big shoes to fill for what was done during Krause’s tenure of Bulls General Manager. Even though Krause often was critiqued and never given much kudos for what he did.
The rebuilding years under John Paxson have been shaky for the Bulls even though they did make the playoffs they were in and then bounced out in the first round. During Paxson’s tenure as GM there have been rumors that he was going to quit and become an Athletic director and then towards end of last season there came reposts he was going to quit immediately during the season. Paxson denied these reports and did not resign after the season. After the season fans weren’t surprised when Paxson did officially resign as the Bulls General manager. Paxson seemed burnt out of being the Bulls General Manager and always tired. Paxson is remaining with the Bulls as VP of Basketball Operations. Paxson is still second highest in command of the Bulls Organization and the new General Manager’s Gar Forman’s boss. Thus, Paxson will still be involved, but not involved with day to day activity. He will leave that to the man he handed the job to, Gar Forman. This way Paxson can spend him time on strategic planning for the organization.
it kinda annoyed me that jordan admitted during his induction that he wanted to play another 2-3 after 1998, but the direction of the organization wasnt going that way. Thats messed up
ReplyDeleteIt is messed up that they could have kept the team together longer and had more championships if he wanted to keep on playing. The thing is he wouldn't have been on the same level, so they would have needed to bring in younger blood to keep on winning. The Bulls Organization had too many strong personalities that they couldn’t keep the team together.
ReplyDeleteKrause 's record is much better than Paxson, but he was not respected for what he did. This is because Jordan, Pippin and Jackson hated him and they were the popular ones in Chicago. In addition, Krause had the reputation of having a huge ego and being short tempered which didn't help his cause. This was hear say, and were not sure what the truth was.
ReplyDeleteJordan is beginning to get a lot of flack for his acceptance speech at the hall of fame. Some reporters are still afraid to criticize him, but I have heard negative reports on his putting down Krause and others.
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