Paxson suggests that changes are on the way

I was just watching CSN SportsNite and they had a short segment of someone (I believe it was Sam) talking to Paxson. Possible changes could be coming. The question posed was "so are you possibly tinkering with some things?"

His answer was..."We're trying right now...we're having a lot of conversations...we're trying to find some things that fit."

Short and sweet but take that for what it's worth. He really didn't reveal too much past that. But this is pretty big for him to come out and say this because he usually says nothing.

CSN doesn't really post all of their audio or video on their site, so I doubt that it's there, but I posted their main page link only because this isn't sourced yet. Maybe someone can find something.

[Update: KC & the other beat writers now have the story covered. I updated the link with KC's story from the Trib.]

6 months ago NormVanBeer Comment 64 comments 11 recs |

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Yea, I just saw it as well

I took away from it the same things you did. It seems like he was volunteering the information. Kinda like he wanted to make sure people understood that he was trying to get something done. And I must say, as pissed off as I get about the team and the way Paxson has put things together, the guy is really hard to dislike. He just comes across as such a genuine guy that you kinda root for him to get this team back on track.

by Juiceboxjerry on Dec 17, 2008 7:07 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Agreed.

I like Pax. He seems like a genuine guy with a very hard job.

He also seems tired, I think it’s cause he is wary of the media, but he never seems very upbeat or happy in interviews.

by kidronmusic on Dec 17, 2008 7:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

that being said

in the interview, I noticed that he DID shave off his mountain-man goatee :-)

by NormVanBeer on Dec 17, 2008 7:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Whats with teh facial hair curse?

Gooden had that beastly beard last year, and he was just an okay player on this team. Loses the beard (for the most part) and whamo, our most solid bigman. Luol Deng started the season attrociously, while sporting a mini beard. Shaves it off, and wham the jumpers start falling. Doesnt hinrich play better when he doesnt look like a mountain man? And now pax shaves off his little beard, and wham he suddenly gets the idea to make some moves??? WiErD

On Behalf of Sue, Wjb, Bullshooter, and all the other Hinrich fans...Ill keep the Hinrich Hope coming...There will be light....

by piccolomair on Dec 17, 2008 8:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Noc gets a haircut

And has been nipping more to the Noc of old at least.

by majoyenrac on Dec 18, 2008 1:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

well, just imagine

when D-Rose gets rid of his ’stash

by CJOliveira on Dec 18, 2008 8:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The Bulls have really bad hair,

considering they are coached by a guy who looks like he came from a cover shoot for GQ.

by Granny Waiters on Dec 18, 2008 9:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

GQ from 1983?

Sometimes a player's greatest challenge is coming to grips with his role on the team.

-- Scottie Pippen

by Orlando Woolridge on Dec 20, 2008 4:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well,

now Gooden has an octopus on his face again.

"You remember the first time you picked up a basketball video game and you had no idea how to run plays, so you just gave the ball to your shooter and you ran around the court aimlessly until a defender was far enough away and then you jacked up a shot? THAT IS LARRY HUGHES!"
-Anonymous fan letter, heylarryhughespleasestoptakingsomanybadshots.com

by Prevenge on Dec 19, 2008 11:32 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

yEAH

And wow has he aged in the past 4 years…..incredibly aged.

He pulled off a very good trade for us last year with Gooden and Hughes for Wallace and Smith that was so unexpected at the time.

Imagine how awful we’d be with:
Rose
Gordon
Deng
Wallace
Gray

and the inconsistent Noah and Thomas filling in. Nocioni though might play better with a defender like Wallace there too….but who knows he’s playing like crap.

I hope a trade happens, just to see something fresh.

by majoyenrac on Dec 18, 2008 1:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I worked at a high-end luggage and leather goods store

during my summers as an undergrad. Pax had just been named an assistant coach and came in to buy a briefcase. After I sold him one, Pax stuck around for another 30 minutes to talk Bulls basketball with me.

The jury is still out on Pax’s abilities as a GM. But as a human being, he’s ok in my book.

by drew gooden's facial growth on Dec 18, 2008 2:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I thought that story was going somewhere else

like Pax took 30 minutes trying to decide whether to buy a briefcase in the first place :)

USE THE SOFTWARE. Actions-> Rec/Flag. Reply to comments with the reply button. Rec good fanposts/fanshots so the crud gets pushed down.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 18, 2008 2:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

And then he picked the wrong briefcase :)

Nah … Pax is a good guy, so I’ll refrain from dogging on him (for now).

Compare that encounter to the one my co-worker had with Scottie Pippen:

Scottie [calls on the phone]: When do you close?

Co-worker: 10pm

Scottie: This is Scottie Pippen. I need you to stay open until eleven.

Co-worker: I’m sorry Mr. Pippen. I can stick around until 10:30 if that’s ok with … click [Pippen hangs-up the phone].

by drew gooden's facial growth on Dec 18, 2008 2:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Did he describe any due dilligence or process in buying said briefcase?

Vinny Del Negro interviewed for the job today. I mean come on! Nobody else thinks this is nuts?
by Juiceboxjerry on Jun 6, 2008 4:21 PM CDT actions actions 0 recs

by Ozzie Montana on Dec 18, 2008 2:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

LOL!

USE THE SOFTWARE. Actions-> Rec/Flag. Reply to comments with the reply button. Rec good fanposts/fanshots so the crud gets pushed down.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 18, 2008 2:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

THANK YOU LORD

When I watch NBA games I often call the fouls before the referees do. Sometimes it’s a gift. Most of the time it's troublesome. - NBA Observer

by Illini15 on Dec 17, 2008 7:13 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Hmmmm....

"If there’s any haters in here right now that don’t have nobody to hate on, feel free to hate on me." - A.P.N.S.

by Belize on Dec 17, 2008 7:27 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

My fingers will henceforth remain crossed,

mkaing typnig xetremlly dfficullt.

Asked what kind of player he expects to be in the next five years, he said: "Not a star, but like, a superstar. Something around, like, Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, something like that."

by BigBenign on Dec 17, 2008 10:46 PM CST reply actions 1 recs

ha!

The poster formerly known as Freethefro.

by MPG on Dec 18, 2008 8:38 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Did you guys actually think he's been sitting on his hands doing nothing?

by smash! on Dec 18, 2008 9:40 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

YES

http://apspidermarketing.ws/spiderweb/
http://apspidermarketing.ws/scoreatwill/

by NormVanBeer on Dec 18, 2008 10:00 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

haha

I will say that compared to the usual Paxson quote, these quotes are almost to the point of yelling ‘fire sale!’

USE THE SOFTWARE. Actions-> Rec/Flag. Reply to comments with the reply button. Rec good fanposts/fanshots so the crud gets pushed down.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 18, 2008 11:02 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hip Hip Hooray!

Thats what I wanna hear from Pax!I hate all the secrets. Tell me you’re trying at least.

I feel like the Bulls have been rebuilding for like 10 years......... oh wait they have!

by ImmanuelKant on Dec 18, 2008 10:48 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Ugh, this explains why Tyrus wasn't out there last night

The victory might come at a cost after Tyrus Thomas sat out the final 31 minutes 22 seconds with what the team called a concussion. The injury dated to knocks to the head in each of the last two games and nothing that occurred against the Clippers, but Thomas won’t travel to Friday’s game in Boston.

“He started running and was blacking out,” coach Vinny Del Negro said. “You have to be real careful. He got his CT scan and they said he was fine. He’s going to see the doctors again [Thursday]. We have to be smart about that. It’s pretty serious.”

In a trust with Vinny Del Negro.

by NBA Observer on Dec 18, 2008 11:14 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

it'd be funny if Tyrus performed like Will Ferrell in that debate scene from 'old school'

blacks out, does awesome, comes back and was like ‘what happened?’ while Vinny gives him a big hug.

(I realize the reality of concussions and blackouts are not funny)

USE THE SOFTWARE. Actions-> Rec/Flag. Reply to comments with the reply button. Rec good fanposts/fanshots so the crud gets pushed down.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 18, 2008 11:28 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well that 20 and 9

was a little out of left field.

by CJ Bulls on Dec 18, 2008 12:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

at least

he can’t have another 2-17 performance against boston… :P

by Jaina on Dec 18, 2008 12:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That's what I was thinking

While the injury sucks, at least it came at the right time after the last Celtics game ruined the confidence Tyrus was playing with in the preseason and he stunk for the next 12 games or so.

by majoyenrac on Dec 18, 2008 1:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

double edge sword?

Playing well against the celtics however wouldve done wonders for tyrus and his confidence. If he played well, despite the bulls losing, tyrus and the team might have realized that he does have it…and his progress would probably go up exponentially.

If the celtics are tyrus’ fear, then he must face them and dominate them, only then will he be a force in the nba.

On Behalf of Sue, Wjb, Bullshooter, and all the other Hinrich fans...Ill keep the Hinrich Hope coming...There will be light....

by piccolomair on Dec 18, 2008 2:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

This would require a level of mental fortitude that

TT doesn’t have (yet).

by drew gooden's facial growth on Dec 18, 2008 2:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i don't view it like that

he’s played well against other good teams (detroit). he’s inconsistent anyways, and a 2-17 game, against anyone, could really shake a young guy’s confidence.

by Jaina on Dec 18, 2008 2:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Eh i am just thinking about my own personal experience

It couldve been any team, it couldve been the knicks…tyrus played by far his ugliest game, and was without a question owned by those celtics. Then take the status the celtics have, not only the best in the east, but perhaps the league. All tyrus would need is one good game against them, and he would have that thought with him the rest of his career. “I put up some great numbers against the celtics, the best team in the east, that team that embarassed me last time, this time, i embarassed them. If i can do that to them, i can do that to the knicks, i can do that to goldent state..” thats how the thoughts begin, i think thats what happened with bynum last year. Tyrus has (supposedly) been putting in all the work, its now just the mental part of the game that he needs to master. Playing against the best team out there, and playing well…that lets you know where your game is at. Even if they lose, tyrus will know what part of his game works, and what he has to do to string up more good games.

On Behalf of Sue, Wjb, Bullshooter, and all the other Hinrich fans...Ill keep the Hinrich Hope coming...There will be light....

by piccolomair on Dec 18, 2008 10:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

yeah

but in a way, having a horrible game against a shitty team makes you feel worse than one with a great defense.

i think part of his celtics mentality is it’s big baby’s team.

by Jaina on Dec 18, 2008 10:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You Are Absolutely Right On Both Counts

For the first part of your comment, i would like you to recall that it was right after the celtics game when thomas fell into a funk and lost all the progress he had shown in preseason and the home opener. And nothing boosts your confidence more than playing that same team or a better team (in this case there is no better team really) and have a stellar game.

And yes, not just big baby, but pj brown, and then the best team in the east, and then the world champs, so going out in this game and playing well, it just means that much more if you can pull it off. Thats why i really hope thomas plays and plays the way he has been playing lately, against the celtics. Even if the bulls lose, if thomas puts up good numbers its worth it, cuz from that point on he should have a mental edge in his game for awhile. Which should be enough for him to really have a breakout season.

On Behalf of Sue, Wjb, Bullshooter, and all the other Hinrich fans...Ill keep the Hinrich Hope coming...There will be light....

by piccolomair on Dec 19, 2008 4:27 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

right

he definitely fell into a funk after the celtics game, i guess i was just questioning the reason about it being against the best team in the east. if he went 2-17 against say, the thunder, he might feel worse about himself than struggling against one of the league’s best defenses. but yes, i agree that if he was able to put up good numbers against them, it would be a huge confidence boost for him.

by Jaina on Dec 19, 2008 8:19 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He forced

a lot of stuff in that game.
I still remember when he was being guarded by ‘Big Baby’ [that’s the worst nickname, ugh], and he spun into the lane and took this odd-looking fadeaway jumpshot that missed the rim.
His getting hyped up works against him sometimes. It’s a lot better problem than the ‘not trying’ thing, though.

by Prevenge on Dec 19, 2008 11:35 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

yeah, it was bad

and i remember the exact horrid play you’re talking about. he def got out of control.

by Jaina on Dec 19, 2008 1:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

This would make a good Poll Question

“Which player do you see the Bulls trading first?”

"Derrick Rose is like a $500,000 Maybach parked in the driveway of a $200,000 house in the middle of nowhere" - Bill Simmons

by RogersPark Kris on Dec 18, 2008 11:15 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

That is a good question

What are your thoughts on it btw?

I would say of the actual guys who play, Noah would have to be the odd man out. It wont be hughes yet, because paxson wants to have a sg, and if something does go bad with bg, well he wants to have some sort of insurance. It wont be kirk, because paxson is too nice of a guy and he would want kirk to at least play a few games with the bulls before dealing him. Tyrus is starting to show potential, and paxson probably wants to see what he turns into before tossing him to the wayside. Thabo hasnt played at all, or else he woudl probably be at the top of the list. Bg wont be traded for many obvious reasons, as with d-rose. Gooden might actually be the second most likely player to go, hopefully to the clips, since he is an expiring contract and a real good player. Although he has bought into the system better than anyone else on this team thus far so paxson wont trade him over noah. Noah hasnt produced much, has had some marks against his character, and isnt the same fiery ( i really want to win) noah of last year. For those reasons i could see paxson no longer seeing one of “his guys” in noah, and thus noah gets the boot.

On Behalf of Sue, Wjb, Bullshooter, and all the other Hinrich fans...Ill keep the Hinrich Hope coming...There will be light....

by piccolomair on Dec 18, 2008 2:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think the Bulls are desperate enough for front court scoring

that they’d look for some sort of semi-blockbuster deal that would include Tyrus + (Hinrich, Hughes, or Nocioni)

"Derrick Rose is like a $500,000 Maybach parked in the driveway of a $200,000 house in the middle of nowhere" - Bill Simmons

by RogersPark Kris on Dec 18, 2008 2:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think that, despite all the logical reasons you pointed out for who not to trade,

Pax would be a fool to not be happy and willing to include any of them in a deal, if he thought it helped the team.

by Juiceboxjerry on Dec 18, 2008 5:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

um how long have you been a bulls fan

in many peoples view, pax is a nice, loveable fool of a gm.

On Behalf of Sue, Wjb, Bullshooter, and all the other Hinrich fans...Ill keep the Hinrich Hope coming...There will be light....

by piccolomair on Dec 18, 2008 10:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If any player at all?

Larry Hughes or Tyrus Thomas.

Vinny Del Negro interviewed for the job today. I mean come on! Nobody else thinks this is nuts?
by Juiceboxjerry on Jun 6, 2008 4:21 PM CDT actions actions 0 recs

by Ozzie Montana on Dec 18, 2008 2:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'd say Thabo

USE THE SOFTWARE. Actions-> Rec/Flag. Reply to comments with the reply button. Rec good fanposts/fanshots so the crud gets pushed down.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 18, 2008 2:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He's got value?

I don’t remember the last time he was even on the court

by Option27 on Dec 18, 2008 2:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

at this point I wouldn't be surprised if he gets dealt for a trade exception or something

he’s slated to make $2.7m next season. It’s not insignificant.

USE THE SOFTWARE. Actions-> Rec/Flag. Reply to comments with the reply button. Rec good fanposts/fanshots so the crud gets pushed down.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 18, 2008 2:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

First player traded will be...

Drew Gooden. Trade friendly contract whose on the court suckiness is easily replaceable. Perhaps packaged with a less favorable contract (Noc, Hinrich or even Deng).

" I've looked at these numbers and decided the #1 problem

is that Ben Gordon is selfish..." -your friendly bulls blogger

by Dionysus2.0 on Dec 18, 2008 4:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

we can only hope

When I watch NBA games I often call the fouls before the referees do. Sometimes it’s a gift. Most of the time it's troublesome. - NBA Observer

by Illini15 on Dec 18, 2008 4:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

can a few people rec this

to keep it from disappearing?

Thx.

http://apspidermarketing.ws/spiderweb/
http://apspidermarketing.ws/scoreatwill/

by NormVanBeer on Dec 18, 2008 11:39 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Yes we can

In a trust with Vinny Del Negro.

by NBA Observer on Dec 18, 2008 12:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

This is probably the best news that I've read on the Bulls in a bit

by Option27 on Dec 18, 2008 1:10 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

But who, exactly, is he going to trade?

Paxson stated that the aim of any trade would be to acquire players who “work with Derrick.”

What does that mean?

I remain concerned that Paxson will trade the wrong players.

And why is it that none of the Chicago beat writers have any insight regarding the Ben Gordon situation? The KEY question facing the Bulls is whether they are going to be able to retain BG.

LSU 38 OHIO STATE 24 - LSU IS THE NATIONAL CHAMPION AND I AM THE KING OF BOURBON STREET!!

by 1958ChiTown on Dec 18, 2008 3:35 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

You must have missed KC's article about BG last night

check out the fanshots

When I watch NBA games I often call the fouls before the referees do. Sometimes it’s a gift. Most of the time it's troublesome. - NBA Observer

by Illini15 on Dec 18, 2008 4:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

not sure if this has been covered on here...but here it is....sorry if it has been quoted already..

Brian Hanley, Chicago Sun-Times: “[Bulls general manager John] Paxson has been talking trade with teams recently and he will travel with the team to Boston for the game against the Celtics Friday. ’I’m trying right now, honestly,’ Paxson said of swinging a deal. ’’We’ve had a lot of conversations as a lot of teams are. But there’s nothing right now that we’ve been able to lock in on. We’re trying to find some things that fit [with Derrick Rose]. The fact of the matter is he’s very, very good and we’re lucky to have him. When you look at the big picture, our goal is going to be to try and get this thing built with Derrick in mind and what fits him. That’s going to take a little bit of time here to try and move some pieces.’”

by masputo on Dec 18, 2008 3:36 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Good stuff

by Juiceboxjerry on Dec 18, 2008 5:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

from

KC’s latest mailbag:

That said, I’m hearing Joakim Noah and Andres Nocioni have drawn minor interest around the league and that Drew Gooden is a very possible target to be traded.

http://apspidermarketing.ws/spiderweb/
http://apspidermarketing.ws/scoreatwill/

by NormVanBeer on Dec 18, 2008 10:11 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I wonder what Gooden ['s expiring deal] + Thabo could get us?

When I watch NBA games I often call the fouls before the referees do. Sometimes it’s a gift. Most of the time it's troublesome. - NBA Observer

by Illini15 on Dec 18, 2008 10:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

As long as trading Gooden

doesn’t preclude signing BG, I’m cool with it. For some reason I could imagine T2 putting up some monster numbers now. Of I would much, much rather he started beside an established center – Kaman and he might actually be pretty damn good – but I think T2’s time is finally here.

The poster formerly known as Freethefro.

by MPG on Dec 19, 2008 5:50 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I should qualify why I think that,

since it’s more than just a hunch. These last few games Tyrus has played (almost) entirely within himself – running the floor, rebounding, blocking shots, playing passing lanes, taking it to the basket. He’s played at this high level, and his jumpshot hasn’t even been on.

That it’s coincided with VDN blowing a fuse might be nothing, and it might not. But I’ve frankly had it with Drew Gooden’s 20 point games…followed by one point games…the only constant being his inexcusably bad defense. If trading Gooden with others can bring us an established (and true) big to play with Tyrus, I’m all for it.

A trade would reenergize the team. Hell, the season’s got me tired, and all I do is watch these guys.

The poster formerly known as Freethefro.

by MPG on Dec 19, 2008 5:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs