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Bulls Media Day: Defense is the talk of the day
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Bulls GM Gar Foreman
Seems like a long time ago the Bulls were one of the top defensive teams in the league.
The emphasis on that side of the ball hasn't been as stern in past seasons, but throughout the Bulls Media Day gathering, management and the players stressed the importance of committing to that side of the ball.
GM, Gar Foreman gave a 15-minute address to members of the media and touched on every possible key issue and player news with Bulls this upcoming season.
On Derrick Rose;
"He's one of the best young point guards in the NBA and is really one of the best young players in the NBA, today. Not only is he extremely talented, but he's got terrific makeup, character and he's got a drive about him that is unique. When you put those things together, the ceiling for someone like him is incredible. We look for him to make that next step, but with those unique qualities that he has, as a lead guard somebody that we're comfortable to build around. Every roster move we make, we see Derrick as our lead guard for years to come. We keep in mind, building around his special talents."
On Kirk Hinrich;
"I thought it was Kirk Hinrich's best summer, since he's been with this organization. His work ethic was consistent. He was in the gym everyday. He was working on his strength and conditioning. He was working on his skills."
On Luol Deng;
"Luol basically lived in this gym. At times, we felt we had to kick him out of here. I remember early in the summer, we were preparing for the draft, he had worked out in the morning in the weight room and than he had a workout in the afternoon, on the floor, doing some skill work and I go to the the kitchen here, around six o' clock, at night and he's down there eating dinner. I said, "Luol, what are you doing here," and he had put himself on a plan, where, rather than go home, he was bringing his dinner to the Berto Center, heating it up in our kitchen and getting another workout in the evening."
Foreman also said he planned on Brad Miller and John Salmons to: 'pick up right where they left off," and said the organization challenged Joakim Noah and Tyrus Thomas to "get stronger," and "expand their games," and that both of them had done that.
He also discouraged the fact the the team is looking forward to 2010, when they have almost $25 million in expiring contracts.
"There's been a lot of talk about flexibility next summer," Forman said. "But that's not our focus. We like this team."
With the new commitment towards the defensive end and a healthy roster, Forman and the Bulls are hoping to build off of last season's success and make even greater strides this season.
More on Bulls Media Day:
- Derrick Rose on what he expects going into this season
- Luol Deng ready to get back on the court
- Vinny Del Negro unwavering confidence
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