John Paxson responded to speculation that Lauri Markkanen is not happy in Chicago. The truth is, everyone on the team is probably disgruntled with the Bulls’ 19-33 record heading into Thursday. “Lauri, we believe in at a high level and we view him as a cornerstone player,” Paxson said. “It’s our responsibility to help him become the type of player we believe he can be. We’ve had direct communication with him, with his agent … we’ve never been told Lauri doesn’t want to be here.”
Tag: John Paxson
Joe Cowley: Paxson still didn’t fully …
Joe Cowley: Paxson still didn’t fully explain how they will get a superstar, but acknowledged they will soon need one. Also not banking on summer of 21.
KC Johnson: John Paxson said he talked …
KC Johnson: John Paxson said he talked to Lauri Markkanen’s agent today and has been given no indication Markkanen wants out. Did acknowledge, as Markkanen has addressed publicly, the need to improve his role in offense.
KC Johnson: Pax: we have Long-term …
KC Johnson: Pax: we have Long-term belief in LaVine, Markkanen.
KC Johnson: John Paxson: We werent …
Darnell Mayberry: Bulls executive VP …
KC Johnson: John Paxson: This is a …
On Thursday, Zach LaVine will find out …
On Thursday, Zach LaVine will find out whether he makes his first All-Star game as a coaches’ reserve selection. “Zach deserves to be an All-Star,” executive vice president John Paxson said. “I know we don’t have as many wins as we all would like. But nobody can ignore what he has done and it would be (an oversight) if he doesn’t get recognized.”
If he doesn’t, LaVine, and the Bulls, …
If he doesn’t, LaVine, and the Bulls, will be disappointed. But missing out shouldn’t obscure what is becoming a special season for LaVine. Saturday’s masterpiece of 44 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists in a road victory over the Cavaliers is just the latest example. With averages of 30 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists in January, he’ll also draw strong consideration for Eastern Conference player of the month.
Paxson also said he isn’t going to …
Paxson also said he isn’t going to dwell on his own job security. “I never worry about that,’’ Paxson said. “I communicate with Jerry and Michael [Reinsdorf], and they know where my head is at, my heart is at and what I’m trying to do. Look, that’s a what-if, and I’m not working on a what-if.’’