Hypocrisy, Thy Name Is GarPax
Paxson used Mirotic’s time with the Spanish national team last summer as an excuse for his inconsistency.
“It’s a dilemma around the league, but international players, a lot of times they spend the summer around their national team. And Niko had a great experience doing that last year, winning the bronze medal. But in reality, from our seat, he lost some time in the weight room with us, lost some time on the floor with our coaches.” – John Paxson
Excuse me, but wasn’t Jimmy Butler doing the exact same thing with Team USA? Butler “lost some time” in the team’s facilities and with Bulls coaches, yet still somehow managed to make the All Star team for the third straight season, this time as a starter. He posted career high averages in points, rebounds, assists and steals. Let’s also remember that Derrick Rose spent the summer of 2010 playing with Team USA before his breakout MVP season. But sure, Niko gets a pass because he played for Spain. Good call. Hypocrisy #4.
Wading Through Fred’s Mess
Paxson could not have sounded less enthusiastic about bringing head coach Fred Hoiberg back next season, but that’s still the plan. He essentially said they’re committed to Fred because they signed him to a five year deal. When asked to cite specific examples of Fred’s growth in his second year, Paxson could only defer to comments made by Wade at his exit interview.
“I will point to you guys were there when Dwyane left the other day and Dwyane said some positive things about Fred, that he saw growth in Fred. I mentioned to you last year that I view young coaches in this league as like young players. They have to develop and grow, too.” – John Paxson
Really ringing endorsement there, Pax. By the way, Wade followed up that comment about Fred’s growth by saying he and his staff “did as good as they could with the hand that was dealt.” That’s a not-so-subtle dig at management, who didn’t give Hoiberg the right pieces. So Paxson used Wade’s comments, which included criticism of management, to sidestep complimenting his coach. Good call. Hypocrisy #5.
Given his sharp decline at age 35, Paxson and Forman must really be regretting the bloated contract they gave Wade last summer. But don’t try to tell Gar in a public forum that his “leadership” wasn’t worth every penny.
“I think Rajon and Dwyane were a real plus for these young guys. On the practice floor, in the locker room…We talked about that a year ago, and we continue to say we want some veteran leadership around these guys in order to help them continue to grow and develop.” – Gar Forman
On the practice floor? When the team had their fracturing episode midseason, rumors swirled that the young players on the roster were frustrated by Wade’s absence at several practices. In the locker room? Wade called out the young guys for not caring enough, even though he didn’t play a lick of defense all season long. Great leadership. Good call. Hypocrisy #6.
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