Reinsdorf realigns Bulls' front office, welcomes Forman as GM

After 11 seasons of working in the Bulls' front office, Gar Forman was named the team's General Manager on Thursday, completing a process that Bulls Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said "has been evolving for some time."

John Paxson will continue at executive vice president of basketball operations and have final say in basketball matters.

Forman came to the Bulls as a Scout prior to the 1998-99 season. Since then, he has overseen a wide array of responsibilities within the Bulls Basketball Operations Department, most recently as the team's Director of Player Personnel, a post he has held for the last five seasons.

"Over that time, Gar has been assuming more and more of the daily GM duties, freeing John Paxson to spend more of his time and energies on talent evaluation, and on long-term, strategic planning for the organization,"Reinsdorf said. "As winning in the NBA becomes more complex, team building in the front office is as important as it is on the court. The strong finish by this young Bulls team, coupled with its valiant efforts during one of the best playoff series in NBA history, places the franchise at an important juncture. The front office tandem of Paxson and Forman will continue to be charged with preparing us for an even brighter future."

Forman said he was honored to be named general manager.

"During my 11 years with the Bulls, I have had the chance to progress professionally and I am eager to expand into this new role," Forman said. "I look forward to continue working with John Paxson on the challenge of building the Chicago Bulls and elevating the Bulls into the NBA's upper echelon of teams."

• Mike McGraw will have more on Forman's career and his outlook for the future in another report later today.