This was a tremendous interview, so if you haven't seen it yet, check out the full four pages. It's very worthwhile.
The two most interesting parts to me were:
Actually, we made a decision a year ago not to commit long term to Ben. We tried. And he turned it down. But then near the end, John and Gar decided it probably wasn't a good idea to make a long-term decision and to see what other options might develop over the season. So we withdrew the offer we had on the table. Ben ultimately came in and said he would take it. But it was too late. Now, fast-forward to the end of the year. We have [John] Salmons and a hell of a three-guard rotation with Salmons, [ Kirk] Hinrich and Derrick [Rose]. Ben wasn't going to get a whole lot of playing time. His time was going to be diminished. And now we've added [Jannero] Pargo for the limited time the fourth guard will get. Ben just no longer fit. He's a terrific player. But he needs minutes. And he wouldn't have been happy with the minutes he was going to get here.
Basically seems to be indicating that they don't feel losing Gordon will be a big loss for the team.
I wouldn't mind paying the tax if it's an intelligent expenditure. When
you pay the tax, you have to do it for a player that's worth it. I
don't care what the tax would be. If I felt we had a guy who would put
us over the top and put us in the Finals, I'd pay the tax. I wouldn't
hesitate. I haven't seen that guy that Gar or John has brought to me
that says, 'Pay the tax and we're in the Finals.'
Reinsdorf again confirms he'll pay the tax, but on top of that, he sets a standard at what needs to be achieved. A conference contender.
Plenty of more great stuff at the link, so check it out as it's one of the more interesting Reinsdorf interviews I've read.
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Tags: chicago bulls, interview, jerry reinsdorf, k.c. johnson, reinsdorf
I'll believe him when he actually pays the tax.