Forman sees Gordon staying, Bulls trending up

One of Gar Forman's duties as general manager is to take over for John Paxson when it comes to addressing the media. So here are Forman's thoughts on the state of the Bulls:

"I think it's an exciting time for us. I thought our team really trended up as the season went on. We're optimistic. We've got some good young players. Our goal is to bring back the core of this team. I think it's too early to talk about roster moves, but we like where we're at and where I think we're headed."

On Ben Gordon's status as a free agent:

"We like Ben Gordon. We think he's a fit. He's obviously a talented player on the floor and he's a professional. He works hard, he's a terrific guy and he's a very good player. Our hope is we'll be able to get Ben back in a Bulls uniform next year."

On the possibility of clearing cap room for the 2010 free- agent class:

"It's an option we have. There might be something that comes about before then that we think we can make ourselves better. That's something we have to have in the back of our minds, that that's a way we can go."

On building around Derrick Rose:

"That's certainly a part of it. Offensively, we want to be an uptempo team. We obviously want to get pieces that fit around him being our point guard."

On Vinny Del Negro and the coaching staff:

"Vinny coming in as a first-time coach, there was going to be an adjustment period with an all-new staff. As our team trended up, I think our coaching staff did, also. There were a lot of positives to take out of the job they did. At the same time, we want to continue to grow and get better."