QUOTE
Paxson sends message with statement signing
July 4, 2006
BY BRIAN HANLEY STAFF REPORTER
John Paxson proved Monday that his talk was anything but cheap. The Bulls general manager said his standard for success was much more than simply making the playoffs.
And with the team's landing of Ben Wallace, Paxson took a significant step toward elevating his organization back into the upper echelon of the NBA.
Make no mistake, this is a statement signing. It tells the rest of the league that the Bulls believe they are ready to contend again.
Paxson and coach Scott Skiles wasted no time Saturday traveling to Detroit to woo Wallace, who just a month ago was thought to be a lock to remain with the Pistons.
Only time will tell if the reported investment of about $52 million over four years was well-spent. Some will wonder whether Wallace's scoring average of 7.3 per game will improve. But Skiles will draw up many more plays for this post man than the Pistons ever delivered last season.
The Bulls wanted veteran leadership. That might sound silly considering Wallace reportedly refused to re-enter a game at Orlando last season because he was unhappy with coach Flip Saunders. But the Bulls are convinced that was a one-time occurrence.
The Bulls wanted toughness. They got that with Wallace.
The Bulls also diminished a division rival in Detroit, which loses the face of its organization with nothing to show for it. The Pistons are left with the mid-level salary-cap exception of about $5 million.
Perhaps president Joe Dumars will regret his four-year, take-it-or-leave-it offer of about $49 million over four years that upset Wallace on Saturday.
Two years from now, Wallace will be an asset to trade should the Bulls choose to go that route as their younger talent matures. His contract, which is not that much more than Tyson Chandler is taking home, will be a bargain at that time, and Wallace should still be in demand.
As for Paxson, he said he felt no more pressure entering this offseason -- even with the No. 2 draft pick in hand and about $16 million to spend -- than he felt since taking over as the Bulls GM in 2003.
Pressure or no, what could be Paxson's signature summer as the Bulls' boss sure appears to be a great one.
July 4, 2006
BY BRIAN HANLEY STAFF REPORTER
John Paxson proved Monday that his talk was anything but cheap. The Bulls general manager said his standard for success was much more than simply making the playoffs.
And with the team's landing of Ben Wallace, Paxson took a significant step toward elevating his organization back into the upper echelon of the NBA.
Make no mistake, this is a statement signing. It tells the rest of the league that the Bulls believe they are ready to contend again.
Paxson and coach Scott Skiles wasted no time Saturday traveling to Detroit to woo Wallace, who just a month ago was thought to be a lock to remain with the Pistons.
Only time will tell if the reported investment of about $52 million over four years was well-spent. Some will wonder whether Wallace's scoring average of 7.3 per game will improve. But Skiles will draw up many more plays for this post man than the Pistons ever delivered last season.
The Bulls wanted veteran leadership. That might sound silly considering Wallace reportedly refused to re-enter a game at Orlando last season because he was unhappy with coach Flip Saunders. But the Bulls are convinced that was a one-time occurrence.
The Bulls wanted toughness. They got that with Wallace.
The Bulls also diminished a division rival in Detroit, which loses the face of its organization with nothing to show for it. The Pistons are left with the mid-level salary-cap exception of about $5 million.
Perhaps president Joe Dumars will regret his four-year, take-it-or-leave-it offer of about $49 million over four years that upset Wallace on Saturday.
Two years from now, Wallace will be an asset to trade should the Bulls choose to go that route as their younger talent matures. His contract, which is not that much more than Tyson Chandler is taking home, will be a bargain at that time, and Wallace should still be in demand.
As for Paxson, he said he felt no more pressure entering this offseason -- even with the No. 2 draft pick in hand and about $16 million to spend -- than he felt since taking over as the Bulls GM in 2003.
Pressure or no, what could be Paxson's signature summer as the Bulls' boss sure appears to be a great one.