GM Forman: Management disappointed, but still optimistic
by Sam Smith
Posted on Dec 29
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By Adam Fluck
Following several weeks of speculation about Bulls Head Coach Vinny Del Negro’s job security, team management finally broke its silence on Tuesday evening when General Manager Gar Forman discussed the current situation.
“Vinny is our coach,” Forman said. “Our goal is to get better each and every day. As a management team, we’re exploring all options in order to get better. We expect our coaches to work each and every day to get this team better. I met with the team [Monday] for awhile and we expect them to work each and every day to get better.”
Forman stressed an organizational philosophy in which he will not comment on reports or rumors produced by the media on trades, team personnel or negotiations. He also discussed some of the struggles the Bulls have faced during the current campaign.
“Up to this point in the season, we’ve had a number of injuries to some key guys,” he said. “We’ve played a very, very difficult schedule. There have been some things that have gone against us. But to me, those are all excuses. There’s an old saying and I’m sure most of you have heard it—you are what your record is.
“At this point in the season, we’re 11-17. With that said, at 11-17, no one in this organization is happy with where we’re at. I know the players are disappointed that we’re 11-17; the coaches are disappointed we’re 11-17. I know the management is disappointed, but most importantly, the fans are disappointed with where we’re at right now. We’ve got some guys coming back that are getting healthy that are going to help us.”
Forman cited Tyrus Thomas’ energy and a deeper bench as players get healthy as reasons for optimism. He added that the team is only a half game out of the Eastern Conference playoff race with a lot of basketball yet to be played.
“We’re still optimistic and we like our young core. We like our players,” said Forman. “That doesn’t mean we aren’t exploring options to get better as far as our team is concerned.”
Forman talked about management’s desire to become better defensively and more of an up-tempo team behind Derrick Rose’s talents. He also mentioned the ability of the team’s big men, including Joakim Noah and Tyrus Thomas, to run the floor.
But he declined to confirm Del Negro would finish out the season as the team’s coach, saying that evaluations with any team personnel would be kept internally.
“From this day forward, how we look at it is that we’re trying to get better each and every day,” said Forman. “That’s how we want the players to approach it, that’s how we want the coaching staff to approach it, and that’s how we’ll approach it each and every day.”
Video: Bulls General Manager Gar Forman addresses media
Audio—Bulls General Manager Gar Forman discusses the team's current situation amid speculation about Head Coach Vinny Del Negro’s job security (12.29.09):
Audio—Bulls Head Coach Vinny Del Negro on Tyrus Thomas being back in the rotation, facing the Indiana Pacers, and the rumors about his job security (12.29.09):
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