Longtime Bulls executive Gar Forman has been relieved of his duties as general manager and will no longer be involved in the team’s basketball operations department, the team announced today in a press release.
“Gar Forman worked tirelessly for the Chicago Bulls organization, first as a scout and then as an executive,” Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said in a statement. “He made many significant contributions during his time here and helped to bring some of the brightest young basketball talent to our team, from Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson to Jimmy Butler and Coby White.
“He has been a trusted advisor and friend to me over the years, and on behalf of everyone I want to thank him for his commitment to the organization. Gar will always be a part of our Bulls family.”
Forman, who initially joined the Bulls as a scout in 1998, was named director of player personnel in 2004 and was eventually promoted to GM in 2009.
With Chicago revamping its front office and hiring Arturas Karnisovas as the club’s new head of basketball operations, there was an expectation that Forman would either be re-assigned to the scouting department or let go altogether. It appears the team has opted for the latter path.
[RELATED: Bulls Officially Move John Paxson To Advisory Role]
Forman issued a statement of his own thanking the Reinsdorfs, calling it an “honor and privilege” to have worked for the Bulls for over two decades, and saying that the team “will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Forman had two years left on his contract with the Bulls, according to K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago, who tweets that the veteran executive will be “in demand” as a scout for other NBA teams.
22 years to late.
Hallelujah! So long, Gar!
Good start, the Gar part of GarPax is seemingly out. Time for Pax to move on as well.
Now get rid of Boylen
I actually would have been fine with Forman staying on as a low level scout. He’s had more hits than misses. Yes, he’s had some bad misses (ex. Marquis Teague, Doug McDermott), but he can see talent. We know that.
Either way, I’m glad Gar Forman has 0 input on Bulls ultimate decisions! GarPax is no more!
Minnesota’s Taylor probably can’t wait to get Gar Forman into his front office.
Why?
Because schmucks beget schmucks. Plus the 2nd helping of sloppy 2nds always goes down a lil smoother than the first.
One down, two to go…
Good moves for the Bulls next gone will be the coach