Oct. 31, 2003

Bulls honor former GM Krause

SportsLine.com wire reports

CHICAGO -- The Chicago Bulls honored Jerry Krause on Friday night for his work in helping build the dominant NBA team of the 1990s.

With Krause as general manger, the Bulls won six NBA championships. Michael Jordan was the key behind the titles, but Krause helped build Jordan's supporting cast. He was general manager for the Bulls from 1985-2002 and retired late last season, citing health problems.

The two-time NBA executive of the year did not draft Jordan, but found success by acquiring players to compliment him. His best move came in 1987 when he was able to trade with Seattle for the draft rights to Scottie Pippen. Pippen was selected as one of the NBA's 50 greatest players in 1996.

The Bulls hung a banner with Krause's name next to Phil Jackson's in the rafters. Krause hired Jackson as an assistant coach in 1987 and later as the head coach in 1989.

The not always popular Krause was recognized for his achievements. He was greeted by the fans with mostly cheers and scattered boos.

"A close friend of mine told me if we didn't win they were going to hang me from the rafters and tonight 18 years later I'm getting hung, but I'm getting hung with six championship banners" he said Friday as he was honored during a halftime ceremony.

He feuded with Jackson, Jordan and Pippen on who should get credit for the championships. When Jackson left and Jordan retired before the lockout-shortened season of 1999, Krause dismantled the team.

Pippen, now back with the Bulls, still has friction toward Krause.

"I think that there was some conflicts at the end really left a big scar for a lot of guys that had felt that we all had bonded together," Pippen said. "Other than looking back at that way I think Jerry did a great job."

Bulls head coach Bill Cartwright, who was hired by Krause as head coach in the middle of 2001-02 season after Tim Floyd resigned in December, believes that Krause had a lot to do with the six championships.

"Would we have all these championships if it wasn't for Jerry Krause? I don't think so," said Cartwright, who was acquired by Krause in a trade before the 1988-89 season and later went on to be part of the first three championship teams.

Cartwright said that Jackson wouldn't be in the position that he is in if it wasn't for Krause.

"Phil Jackson wouldn't be here, wouldn't be in the league," Cartwright said.

He doesn't understand why Jordan is still unhappy with Krause.

"I don't get it," Cartwright said. "Guy is making 30 (million) and we won the championship and he is (upset)."

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