The Bulls (10-29) are tied with the Knicks for the second-worst record in the Eastern Conference, and are focused on the future. That was signaled by this week’s trade that sent veteran swingman Justin Holiday to the Grizzlies for Wayne Selden, MarShon Brooks and two second-round picks. Chicago also subsequently waived Cameron Payne to created a roster spot.
Bulls vice president of basketball operations John Paxson spoke to reporters, including NBC Sports Chicago’s Mark Strotman, on Friday and said the Holiday trade came together “in a couple of hours.” Paxson also addressed Jabari Parker‘s future with the team, Chicago’s plan leading up to the trade deadline and expectations of new head coach Jim Boylen.
On potentially making more trades before the deadline…
“That’s what has to happen. Things have to align. You can’t just force it. Again, if we can acquire young players, draft assets, we can maybe look at our roster and think there’s a better fit, we’ll go that route.”
On Parker’s future in Chicago…
“The one thing [Boylen] has been really consistent with is the accountability aspect. I believe you can hold players to a certain standard of what you want as a coach. Jabari is a really good guy. You guys have been around him. He’s a terrific person. If we can acclimate him back into things, he’s going to get a chance. This league is about getting chances, even for players who have been through what Jabari has been through.”
The decision to part with Payne…
“You make decisions and hope for the best. The reality is both (Ryan Arcidiacono) and (Shaq Harrison) have outplayed him. They fit what we want to do. Cam had some struggles with his foot and trying to get him back. We wish him well.”
On the Bulls’ future and player development…
“Very important. It’s really important. We need to see growth. We need to see how they play. We’re a month into [Boylen]’s tenure now, and I think they understand what’s expected. So we’re going to go out on the road here after these next two games. That’s a good time for a young team to get together. They’re going to be hard games. We just need to see development. That’s going to be a big key.”
Hey Paxon, why don’t you align your head with your ass. Sorry, you’ve been doing that lately.
Please, if you’re going to troll, troll correctly. It’s Paxson*, not Paxon.
Sorry Mrs. Paxon
1/10 on the troll job.
I’m good with the Bull trading Lopez & Parker and taking back another bad contract if they can also get a high pick.
JR has made a joke of the Sox, that’s fine… very few pay attention to them anyway, but I really wish he would sell the Bulls. His loyalty to GarPax, Kenny and Hahn is debilitating and spectacularly frustrating.
if it turns out that they have to buy out jabari, i think that will move the needle with ownership. given how cheap they are, giving away two large buyouts in 3 years should make them realize… or u would hope so lol
Apparently nobody’s paying attention to the Cubs either. Where are all the FAs “rushing” to join them?
The Cameron Payne era in Chicago is over (one hopes, for Paxson’s reputation as a talent evaluator if nothing else).
It must be updated, that he was acquired by trade three years ago, along with two marginal players who did not pan out, and leaving the Bulls were Taj Gibson, Doug McDermott and a draft pick turning out to be Mitchell Robinson! (Never know what might happen when you throw out those round2s)
This is BasRef data, some Chicagoan can tell of the hopes & dreams.
The #14 pick had decent 1st & 3rd seasons in limited PT, got dumped in his 2nd & 4th seasons. It’s a good enough record to maybe get another shot somewhere.
Parker is a fat whale whose decided to eat away his once promising NBA career. Sad story. Some guys have bad luck with injuries. He just can’t put the fork down. It’s obvious his fat rear end is why he can’t move his feet to play D.