Paxson will remain with the Bulls as Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations. There had been speculation for some time--since the 2009 NBA All-Star break, at least–that Paxson had grown weary of the job and would step down.
The popular former player and broadcaster oversaw the draft that brought in 2009 NBA Rookie of the Year Derrick Rose, and he also oversaw Bulls' drafts that netted them players like Joakim Noah and Tyrus Thomas. Paxson was said to have tired of certain aspects of the general manager's job, such as traveling to scout players and dealing with player agents.
Forman's Background
Forman has been with the Bulls for 11 seasons. He joined the team before the 1998-1999 season as a scout, before moving up the ladder in the team's front office. He has held the director of player personnel post for the past five seasons. Among his previous duties were overseeing the coordination of the Bulls' pro and amateur scouting units.
Forman also assisted Paxson by putting scouting plans in motion and helping to evaluate free agents as well as potential trade targets. Forman has also been a college head coach, with stints at Utah State--his alma mater--followed by College of the Desert, New Mexico State, Cal Poly Pomona, and Iowa State.
What This Means for the Bulls
Forman already served as the lead negotiator when the team re-signed Luol Deng in the summer of 2008 and attempted to re-sign Ben Gordon twice, once before last season, and once the off-season before that. He also played a key role in drafting Thomas, which could be big, since the Bulls can began talking with Thomas about a contract extension this summer.
Otherwise, this move isn't a huge shock, Bulls personnel say its' been in the works for a while. According to the Chicago Tribune Paxson had tired of the demanding GM duties, and once the Bulls were eliminated from the playoffs, it was time to move on. Also according to the Tribune, the Bulls' new front-office setup is quite common in the NBA, and Forman will still report to Paxson, who will retain his title and oversee all basketball decisions. That means that little will change, according to the Tribune, except Forman's title. K.C. Johnson, the Tribune's Bulls' beat writer, also added that the team may make one more hire in the front office as the summer gets underway. Either way, it'll be an interesting summer for the Bulls as they attempt to improve a team that pushed the defending champion Boston Celtics to the brink. Stay tuned.
Tim Healey - I am a freelance writer specializing in sports and automotive interests. In my spare time, I run, listen to good music, explore my city. ...
