Post by Chicago on Jun 2, 2015 23:25:17 GMT -6
Tension in Chicago: General Manager and Team Consultant at Odds
(AP) -- Chicago
Critics and media called this from the start - how would an ex-General Manager and his newly appointed replacement work together to run a franchise? How would two tenured leaders who's relationship could be best described as frosty in the past put aside their very different management styles for the betterment of the Bulls? Well if the latest reports out of Chicago are to be believed, there are cracks forming in this Bulls front office just weeks into the season.
Footage obtained from the Bulls' annual season ticketholder brunch showed GM Dave Seer and team Consultant Xeneise in a physcal altercation. The two were separated by players and Seer left without speaking to media. 
Prior to the brunch disaster, comments from Xeneise seemed to indicate he was unhappy with Seer's plan to extend the "building" phase that he began upon his arrival. "It's a little disappointing to have to watch this team struggle now. For 13 seasons we were a competitive winning team. We won titles, we didn't rebuild. I get that Seer has his own vision for the team and I'll respect that and help however I can. The additions of Patrick and Allen were fantastic and the draft selection of Francis was something we agreed upon. We'll get there together - but the road is certainly not the one I would take."
Heading into the season the team appeared ready for a one season turnaround after a complete teardown last year. The roster was anchored by Patrick Ewing, a young athletic backcourt and a deep veteran bench. It only took days however for Seer to realize his young backcourt were not ready for primetime, and that his veteran additions Barry and Laimbeer might have passed their best before dates. Always one to move quickly, Seer moved to secure the Bulls 1st round draft selection, while also shedding salary and depth in exchange for a second 1st round choice in the upcoming draft.
Seer spoke to reporters this morning to settle anxious fans, and perhaps Xeneise as well. "I understand that based on my history and reputation, people might think we're ready to abandon this core of Patrick, Stevie and Allen - that can't be further from the truth. If anything, what we're doing here is far removed from my usual tactics. For once I'm willing to invest long term in a set core and work to add young talent around them. That's all that is happening here. We are very close to turning a corner and returning to the winning teams that Chicago is used to, when that happens however is up for debate. I also understand that this is likely very trying and frustrating for Xeneise - however I'll say he's been a perfect gentleman through this and continues to offer his support and advice as we proceed with this direction.
Front office conflict or not, the future of the Bulls does appear to be bright. New acquisitions Allen Iverson and Patrick Ewing have been excellent for the team 19 games into the season. The Seer/Xeneise joint decision to draft Steve Francis well above his projected slot has also reaped early dividends as he outperforms others taken in the top ten. Surely more bumps in the road are ahead, as the scuffle Sunday well demonstrated, however these two professional veteran managers will likely make this work - or at the least, they'll make it entertaining along the way.
