BULLS IN THE SPOTLIGHT AFTER ALL
FANS VOICE DISPLEASURE WITH PAXSON, FORMAN ON LIVE TV AHEAD OF RISING STARS GAME
The Rising Stars game Friday night at the United Center was supposed to be a “welcome to Chicago” introduction — the official tip-off of All-Star weekend.
Who would have guessed disgruntled Bulls fans would hijack the show hours earlier?
During a live morning interview with Bulls guard Zach LaVine at Navy Pier as part of ESPN’s “First Take,” co-host Max Kellerman asked if LaVine was confident that vice president of basketball operations John Paxson could bring more talented players to the roster to help LaVine.
The mention of Paxson’s name triggered a roar of boos. LaVine acknowledged the reaction, remarking, “They might think differently, man, but I’m with the team, man — I’ve got to put the team first.”
He then tried laughing off the uncomfortable moment.
“They’re terrible, man,” he said, again referencing the fans.
The boos then turned into “Fire GarPax!” chants — a reference to Paxson and Bulls general manager Gar Forman — all but drowning LaVine out.
The show’s moderator, Molly Qerim, tried to calm the crowd, as did co-host Stephen A. Smith. While the fans did eventually stop, the message was sent about just how unhappy Chicago is with the Bulls in Year 3 of their rebuild.
Video of the incident quickly spread on social media. A source said Friday night that the Bulls were aware of it.
It was the last thing the organization needed this weekend, as the Bulls (19-36) have no representation in Sunday night’s All-Star Game. LaVine will participate in the three-point contest Saturday night — the only Bull who will see any action all weekend.
Second-year center Wendell Carter Jr. was selected to play in the Rising Stars game, but a slow-healing right ankle — which has sidelined him since early January — forced him to miss the contest.
Considering the lack of defense in the U.S. team’s 151-131 win over the World team, the defensive-minded Carter really didn’t miss much — other than being involved in the mystery of the bent rim.
Although the Hornets’ Miles Bridges was named the game’s MVP for the U.S. team, it was Pelicans rookie phenom Zion Williamson who captured all the attention. Following a series of dunks by Williamson late in the second quarter, it became apparent that the rim was slightly bent, requiring an adjustment at halftime. Williamson, who finished with 14 points, was the obvious suspect but wouldn’t admit to anything.
“We went into halftime, and my teammates started telling me about it,” he said. “I don’t know which dunk it was on, but I don’t think it was me.”
Carter, the No. 7 overall pick of the 2018 draft, said he’s hoping to return when the Bulls resume play Thursday against the visiting Hornets. His plan is to participate in practice Tuesday, see how he bounces back in practice Wednesday, then get cleared. He has only played in 37 games this season, averaging 11.7 points and 9.9 rebounds.
“I want to be back the next game,” he said. “That’s what I’m shooting for right now.” ✶