Hoops Habit
Fansided

Chicago Bulls: 5 Takeaways From Disappointing 2015-16 Season

By James D. Tillman III

Apr 11, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Tim Frazier (2) goes up for a shot during the second half of the game against the Chicago Bulls at the Smoothie King Center. The Bulls won 121-116. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Tim Frazier (2) goes up for a shot during the second half of the game against the Chicago Bulls at the Smoothie King Center. The Bulls won 121-116. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
Dec 12, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls vice president of basketball perations John Paxson (left) and general manager Gar Forman (center) talk with sports writer Sam Smith (right) prior to a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 12, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls vice president of basketball perations John Paxson (left) and general manager Gar Forman (center) talk with sports writer Sam Smith (right) prior to a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

5. John Paxson And Gar Forman Here To Stay

So far, we have discussed how the players and head coach contributed to the Bulls’ disappointing this season. Now, it’s time to discuss the individuals near the top of the organizational hierarchy chart: executive vice president John Paxson and general manager Gar Forman.

More from Hoops Habit

Since Forman was promoted to his position back in 2009, the Bulls have not been able to acquire top-tier free agents that would help elevate the team to championship status. Yes, Gasol was a solid second choice after Carmelo Anthony opted to remain in New York.

But to be honest, Gasol cannot and should not be viewed as a long-term game changer at this stage of his career. Furthermore, the dynamic duo chose not to make any changes a year ago because of the belief that the team was still capable of making one last postseason run.

The mistake with that logic was that they were only the individuals who believed that was an accurate statement. And for Bulls fans who may have been hoping to see Forman and Paxson replaced, that isn’t going to happen.

"“Gar and I are accountable for what this team did this year,” Paxson said, via the Chicago Tribune. “We don’t run away from it. We accept it. That’s on us.” “We’ve had one bad year. I can point to a lot of really good years where we’ve built something from scratch. And we have confidence that we’re going to get it right.”"

Paxson also went on to say that the jobs of both Hoiberg and Forman are safe as the team begins its offseason assessment in regards to determining what changes are needed to help Chicago become a perennial playoff contender again.

More hoops habit: NBA Injuries: 20 Stars That Deserve Career Do-Overs

The question is, will the front office actually take aggressive steps towards achieving that goal, as chairman Jerry Reinsdorf has stated, or will they continue to merely say the right things in hopes that fans will continue to fill the seats?

Home/Chicago Bulls