CHICAGO BULLS PRESS CONFERENCE
Bulls PR : Thanks for attending today's Press Conference. I'd like to start by saying that Chicago is a city that is deeply rooted in the history of basketball and as an organization we are dedicated to assembling a team that the fans and city can be proud of. While the last few years have been difficult, we want to let our fanbase know that changes are already being made to correct those mistakes with the goal of building a championship caliber team. With that being said I would like to introduce you to the man who has already started putting his plan in place to make that goal come true. Ladies and gentlemen ..........your new GM of the Chicago Bulls...........PrepP.
PrepP : Thanks again for being here. I want to thank the Bulls Organization for giving me the chance to get back to doing what I am passionate about. A few years ago I had to step down as GM of the LA Clippers due to personal reasons and have wanted to get back in the league ever since. I've worked my way back and am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a historic organization. Let's open it up for questions.
Media Question 1 : What are your feelings about the current state of the organization?
PrepP : The past few season have been disappointing for us obviously. Missing the playoffs, not developing our young talent, and just under achieving in general. The Bulls Organization is dedicated to putting together a winning team but they just didn't feel like the old management was getting the job done. That's where I come in. I'm here to help "right the ship" and turn things around.
Media Question 2 : How do you plan to turn around a roster that is lacking and a team that has struggled to win for the last few seasons?
PrepP : I have to disagree that our roster is lacking. Coming into this position I was excited about the young talent on our team. Kobe Bryant is a phenomenal talent and is still improving his game. We are committed to him and putting together a team around him that will help us win. Mike Bibby, Tim Thomas, and Brad Miller are young guys that we can see helping us get there. While this young talent hasn't directly translated into wins........I feel that the prior management's leadership and direction played a big role in that. I am here to change the culture and I expect to see improvements made in the win column as soon as next year. This year will be about evaluating talent, filling positions of need, and instituting that culture change.
Now we definitely still have several holes to fill and I will be working hard to fill those with quality talent. We are planning to build through the draft, Free Agency, and Trades. We will continue to evaluate our players and if we feel that a change needs to be made or an upgrade can be made to our roster we will pursue that.
Media Question 3 : Have you had any discussions with Kobe , who will be a RFA this summer, about his future with the team?
PrepP : I have spoken with Kobe. Kobe and I have a mutual respect for each other and the same goals for this team. He does have some frustrations and I understand why he would. Kobe is a competitor and he can not stand to lose. We agree on that and I have made it clear to Kobe that now that I am here we are going to both work on getting this team to where we want to be. It will take some time but we are on the same page. Kobe and I have had several talks about the direction the team is headed and how he is the face of our franchise. We are dedicated to keep Kobe here in Chicago and building a winning franchise around him.
Media Question 4 : Can you discuss what led to the recent transactions with the Pacers sending out the veteran Ervin Johnson and bringing in Erick Strickland?
PrepP : Well obviously when a team changes management the new GM is going to come in and establish their direction and culture. As I said earlier it is my job to evaluate this teams roster and bring in the talent to put together a winning product. Ervin was well respected within our organization and we appreciate his time here. Unfortunately this is a business and the current roster was not getting it done. I felt Ervin was a piece that could be used to help us fill a few holes if we moved him and that it was in his best interest to be on a team that is closer to being in the playoffs towards the end of his career. Ervin left on good terms and we wish him the best.
We are also excited about the addition of Erick Strickland and Theron Mayes. Both guys help round out our roster and I feel they make us better. Erick will be used as a combo guard and will be a great mentor to Mike Bibby. Theron Mayes is a guy we felt has great potential and can backup Kobe or fill in in case of an injury. We are excited to see what these two players will bring to our team in the coming years.
Media Question 5 : What are your short term goals going forward for this young team?
PrepP: I've talked to the team and asked them to put the past in the past. This is a new beginning and things are going to change. Winning is our goal and changes will be made if we aren't improving towards that goal. My plan for the rest of this year and the offseason is to continue on filling holes in our roster and improving the young talent we have. I feel that next year we should be able to make a significant leap in win total and changing the culture of this team. I don't see why we can't be competing for a playoff spot in 2-3 years after this season.
Media Question 6 : How does it feel to be back in the GM chair after such a long break?
PrepP : I am ecstatic to be back. I missed being involved with the day to day activities of the game since leaving the Clippers organization years ago. It feels good to get a second chance to do something I love doing. I learned a lot during my time with the Clippers and while I was away from the game commentating. As happy as I am to be back.............It's time to get down to business.
Bulls PR : If there are any further questions please comment them below and PrepP will be glad to answer them. Thanks
