---

Bill Cartwright let go after disappointing Bulls start

Chicago Bulls Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations John Paxson today announced that Bill Cartwright has been relieved of his duties as head coach of the NBA franchise.

In a statement released this morning, Paxson said:

“I knew there would be difficult times in this job, but none is harder than replacing a friend. I have known Bill Cartwright as a teammate, as a colleague and as a friend for nearly as long as I’ve been in professional basketball. I admire his hard work and his efforts and loyalty here. He will always be a Bull.

The decision to relieve Bill at this time was a basketball decision. The team is underperforming and we have to find ways to win, period. I am not satisfied with the team’s start this season and changes have to be made. This represents the first change, but not necessarily the last.”

Paxson said he expects to name Cartwright’s replacement within the next week, but said Pete Myers will be coaching the Bulls in the interim.

Cartwright became the Bulls head coach on Dec. 28, 2001, when he succeeded Tim Floyd. Over that span, the Bulls posted a record of 51-100. Prior to his head coaching stint, he spent six years as an assistant coach under Phil Jackson (1996-1998) and Tim Floyd (1998-2001).

Cartwright played 17 years in the NBA, including six seasons with the Bulls (1989-1994). A co-Captain on three NBA World Championship teams (1991, 1992, 1993), Cartwright appeared in 963 games, averaging 13.2 points and 6.3 rebounds, while shooting .525 for his career. A defensive standout, Cartwright averaged 8.9 points and 5.4 rebounds, while shooting. 482 from the floor in 124 career NBA Playoff games.

Myers, entered this season as team scout and played eight years in the NBA. He is currently in his fifth season with the Bulls Basketball Operations Department. Myers has spent time as, both an assistant coach and as a member of the Bulls’ scouting staff. Originally selected by the Bulls in the sixth round (120 overall) of the 1986 NBA Draft, Myers played for five teams, including two years with Chicago (1986-87, 1993-94). The Bulls will play their first game under Interim Head Coach Pete Myers on Tuesday night in Dallas.