I dont know where that comment came from. I don't think anyone has blindly defended him. The only times I see people really defend his moves is when people jump to the conclusion that he should be fired. I think he's done a wonderful job turning this team around and making us into a perenial playoff team. I think Skiles should play Tyrus Thomas more, but that has nothing to do with Paxson. Paxson has assembled a pretty solid team that can compete in the present and still have a very bright future. I'm pleased with the job he's done so far. It isn't hard to assemble a perianial playoff team, especially in the east. I'm still convinced he doesn't understand the concept of inside scoring. To be fair, he hasn't had many chances at inside scoring in drafts (and as I remember, you wanted Brandon Roy over Tyrus Thomas - TT is much more of an inside presence). There are reasons to criticize Paxson - but I think your way of comparing him to other Chicago GMs based on championship game appearances isn't that great. Also, we don't truly know exactly what Jerry West and the Grizzlies were asking for Gasol, I have no problem in not parting with a combo of Deng and another valuable player on the team as some rumors indicated. Paxson has done a commendable job building up a young team from nothing, he has certainly made a few mistakes but which GM doesn't? I wanted either Alridge or Roy. Either would have been fine by me. As someone has previously stated, Roy or Gordon could have been spun for a big guy. He fumbled the football last draft. Bottom line.