Heres the link to the story http://espn.go.com/nba/news/2003/0414/1538755.html Paxson jumps from booth to front office -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Associated Press DEERFIELD, Ill. -- Former player John Paxson is leaving the broadcast booth to become the Chicago Bulls' general manager. Paxson was officially introduced as Chicago's executive vice president of basketball operations Monday afternoon. He replaces Jerry Krause, who resigned unexpectedly a week ago, citing health reasons. Paxson immediately emerged as the front-runner for the job after Krause quit and was the only person known to have had a formal interview with team chairman Jerry Reinsdorf. Paxson spent nine of his 11 NBA seasons with the Bulls, and was an integral part of the first three championship teams. His 3-pointer with 3.9 seconds left clinched the 1993 title in Game 6 against Phoenix. After retiring in 1994, he was a Bulls assistant during the 1995-96 season. He's spent the past seven years as part of Chicago's broadcast team, both on radio and television. Though he doesn't have management experience, he's gotten a firsthand look at running a team through his brother Jim, the Cleveland Cavaliers' GM. John Paxson is known for his exhaustive preparation as a broadcaster. Not only does he know the strengths and weaknesses of the Bulls, he makes a point of studying opponents, as well. He also has a wealth of contacts throughout the league. In fact, when Michael Jordan was looking for someone to coach the Washington Wizards three years ago, Paxson was his first choice. Paxson considered it, but ultimately turned Jordan down because he didn't want to uproot his family. But Paxson's two sons are older now, and he felt the time was right to consider this job. "It is exciting,'' Paxson said last week. "I'm very comfortable with this organization and this group. That's important. And I think the future is unbelievably bright with the young guys.'' Paxson grew up in a basketball family -- his father, Jim Sr., played in the NBA -- and he still ranks in the top 20 in career scoring at Notre Dame. He was drafted 19th overall by the San Antonio Spurs in 1983, and spent two seasons there. He signed with the Bulls as a free agent in October 1985, and spent the rest of his career in Chicago. He averaged 7.2 points and 3.6 assists in the NBA
