In Chicago, K.C. Johnson cites sources as saying that the jobs of Bulls Exec VP/Basketball Operations John Paxson and GM Gar Forman "are safe" despite some "outside perception to the contrary." One source added that ownership's trust in Paxson and Forman "remains so intact that they would be retained even if the Bulls miss the postseason for a second straight season" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 2/8). The CHICAGO TRIBUNE's Steve Rosenbloom writes of Paxson and Forman, "I don't know how they still have their jobs today." This "doesn't sound like happy news for Bulls fans hoping to see another championship in their lifetime" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 2/8).
KEYBOARD WARRIOR: In N.Y., Frank Isola writes Knicks President Phil Jackson "may be tweeting himself right out of New York." Jackson yesterday on Twitter "supported the premise" of a Bleacher Report column which insinuated that Knicks F Carmelo Anthony "is to blame" for the team's poor record. At some point MSG Chair James Dolan is "going to say enough is enough." Isola: "Carmelo deserves better. As do his teammates, coaches and the Knicks loyal fans. And mostly, Dolan deserves better" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 2/8). In N.Y., Mike Vaccaro writes Jackson's tweet yesterday was "everything we’ve come to expect in a Phil Jackson quote." Vaccaro: "Meaning, far more plainly, if you read just a little more deeply: 'Get me the hell out of here.'" This is the "first warning sign" that Jackson has "no idea how to fix the mess the Knicks have become" (N.Y. POST, 2/8). In DC, Tim Bontemps writes Jackson should "consider putting down the phone and looking in the mirror" (WASHINGTON POST, 2/8).
HOOP DREAMS: In Seattle, Brier Dudley writes under the header, "Locking Up KeyArena May Hurt Seattle's NBA Chances." By offering to lease KeyArena and its "valuable parking garage to developers and not a team owner, the city is hurting chances of ever returning the NBA to Seattle Center." The deal offered by Seattle Mayor Ed Murray "reduces the arena’s appeal to team owners, because they’d have to share revenues with developer-managers he’s now courting." Dudley: "Exploring options for KeyArena is smart. But signing away the venue before a team is in hand is a terrible idea" (SEATTLE TIMES, 2/8).