In Chicago, Joe Cowley writes "no other GM in the NBA would still have a job" with Bulls GM Gar Forman’s track record. The "final straw should have been" the firing of coach Fred Hoiberg, who was "handpicked" by Forman. However, Forman, who was "quietly rewarded with a contract extension last year, came out unscathed after Hoiberg was let go." With the Bulls this season "now at the halfway point with a 10-31 record, Forman’s untouchable standing with his bosses still comes in as the biggest surprise" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 1/11).
CASE CLOSED: THE ATHLETIC's David O'Brien cited sources as saying that the Braves "will not forfeit the No. 9 pick" of the '19 Draft, which is "compensation the Braves receive after failing to sign" P Carter Stewart, their top pick in last year’s draft. The MLBPA "filed the grievance on behalf of Stewart," alleging that the team "did not make the financial offer to him that’s required to receive the compensation pick." However, an arbitration panel "ruled in the Braves’ favor." The Braves "made an undisclosed offer below slot value after becoming concerned about a right-wrist injury when the team did a full examination after the draft" (THEATHLETIC.com, 1/10).
STILL ON BOARD: Former Hurricanes Exec VP & GM Ron Francis has "remained an investor in the team as a member of Hurricanes Holdings LLC" since being let go in May of last year. He said that he "will continue that financial relationship" until November. Francis added that his contract with the team ends June 30 (Raleigh NEWS & OBSERVER, 1/11).
