Paxson (l) and Forman have taken plenty of criticism from fans and media in recent seasonsNBAE/GETTY IMAGES
The Bulls are 18-46, the third-worst record in the Eastern Conference, but team President & COO Michael Reinsdorf has "made it clear" that he "backs the front office and coaching staff," according to Joe Cowley of the CHICAGO SUN-TIMES. Reinsdorf said ownership is "very supportive of the job" coach Jim Boylen has done since taking over after Fred Hoiberg was fired in December. He also "reiterated his stance" on Exec VP/Basketball Operations John Paxson and GM Gar Forman. Reinsdorf was "adamant in disputing the idea that Paxson is on his 'fourth or fifth rebuild' attempt since taking a front office job" in '03. Reinsdorf said of retaining Paxson, "It’s not about loyalty for us. It’s about we believe we have the right people in place." As for Forman, Reinsdorf "pointed out that the GM’s job is dealing with agents, initiating trades and overseeing the draft." He feels that Forman has "performed well on all three fronts, especially the draft" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 3/5). Reinsdorf said of Paxson and Gorman, "In this market, with some of our fans and some in the media, they look at it differently. That perplexes me. ... I look at rebuilds and what some other teams have gone through, and I have confidence in where we are." Meanwhile, Reinsdorf said the business side of the Bulls' operations "is good" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 3/5).
