Chicago Bulls’ fans, remember the “Fire GarPax” chants during All-Star Weekend? Your voices were heard and the Chicago Bulls have made some major changes in their front office this week.
The Bulls fired their general manager Gar Forman on Monday after they confirmed the hiring of former Denver Nuggets general manager Arturas Karnisovas as their new executive vice president of basketball operations. The Bulls also announced that John Paxson, who previously held Karnisovas’ position, will stay with the team in the new role of senior adviser of basketball operations.
The Bulls have been in rebuilding mode since they fired head coach Tom Thibodeau after the 2014-15 NBA season, and traded away home town hero and former MVP Derrick Rose in 2016. After the Thibodeau-Rose regime the Bulls have posted a record of 154-239, and only made the playoffs once in that time with “GarPax” in the front office. Who signed off on hiring Jim Boylen as head coach without interviewing other candidates for the position? This action definitely added fuel to the fans fire of disapproval for “GarPax”.
However, don’t let the past four to five years of mediocrity blind you from what Gar forman has accomplished for the Bulls organization. Forman was named the 2011 NBA Executive of the Year. Also the Bulls reached the playoffs seven times during his tenure as general manager.
“Gar Forman worked tirelessly for the Chicago Bulls organization, first as a scout and then as an executive,” team owner Jerry Reinsdorf said in a statement. “He made many significant contributions during his time here and helped to bring some of the brightest young basketball talent to our team, from Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, and Taj Gibson to Jimmy Butler and Coby White. He has been a trusted advisor and friend to me over the years, and on behalf of everyone I want to thank him for his commitment to the organization. Gar will always be a part of our Bulls family.”
Even before the infamous chants of “Fire GarPax” echoed through Navy pier during ESPN’s First Take coverage of All-Star Weekend in February, the Bulls were looking to shake up the front office. Reinsdorf mentioned that it was Paxson who first approached them around December, with regard to the organization making a change in the leadership and structure that would set the Bulls up for success for the next 10-15 years. This suggestion by Paxton might have played a role in saving him from being fired from the organization as well.
“John has an invaluable perspective on our organization and where we want to be, and he played an instrumental role in this change by bringing forward the idea of a restructure and reorganization,” Added Reinsdorf. “I have always held his knowledge and basketball insight in the highest regard, and he has earned my respect as well as that of his peers. His decision to take on a new role reflects what I’ve always known about John – that he is forever a willing teammate on and off of the court and always does what he believes is in the best interest of the Chicago Bulls.”
“When I came here in 1985, I never imagined what the Chicago Bulls would mean to me more than 35 years later,” said Paxson. “While I’m in a new role and a new phase in my life, what won’t ever change is my commitment to the Bulls and appreciation to Jerry and Michael for the incredible opportunities I’ve been afforded. I’ve had the rare opportunity to see this team as a player, broadcaster and executive, and at every turn I’ve been fortunate to experience what makes this organization so special – people who give their best every day and work together as a team, as well as our incredible fans who support us. I’ve always tried to do what was best for our organization and put our team in position to succeed, and ultimately compete. I know Arturas will do the same. He brings the kind of talent, experience and commitment to collaboration that will allow him to succeed in his new role. I truly believe this is a great opportunity for the Bulls organization and that there are bright days ahead.”
Bulls’ fans are also hoping that there are bright days ahead for the organization as well. The NBA All-Star break sent shock waves of pride through the city and revitalized their love for the game of basketball. The flashback of Michael Jordan’s iconic Jumpman dunk from the All-Star break in Chicago in 1988, hometown kid D. Rose signing autographs in local businesses, and the United Center attracting the national spotlight for sports coverage once again sparked those “Fire GarPax” chants. Now that the Bulls have responded, a new era of Bulls basketball is in progress.
