Today, the Bulls held a press conference to announce the resigning of their restricted free agent, Luol Deng. Here is a transcript of this press conference.
John Paxson: We’re each going to talk, just for a second. First of all, from our organizational stand point, I would like to thank Luol’s agent, Jason Levien, who I thought was tremendous this whole process. Proffessional, he came into this wanting to do a deal, which made this whole thing a really workable situation. From our end, Gar Forman, who did the talking with Jason through the whole process. Gar did a terrific job as well. It always takes two parties to come to an agreement, and both sides wanted to have done that. Obviously, incredibly happy that we were able to get Luol signed. Six year deal and a type of thing that gives him security, gives us certainty in the direction, we are going to go here in the future. He has been an integral part of our organization for the four years we had. When we drafted him, we always felt so good about him as a player and a person, that getting this done and getting him settled, was obviously a priority for us. So, just very very happy that we got it done…got it done before he heads off to Great Britain and plays. Just a good day for the Bulls, and we’re happy, and congratulate you on getting your deal. Vinny, do you want to say something?
Vinny Del Negro: No, I couldn’t be happier. Just, reiterate what Pax said. Great day for the Bulls. Luol is not only a terrific player, but a great person. I think he has a lot of room for improvement and he’s going to be a big cornerstone for what we do and what this franchise does for a long time. I just feel great about it. He’s a hardworker, he’s a great guy, and with those combinations, obviously I think great things are going to happen for him and the organization. He’ts going to be here a long time. I feel great about that. The big thing is, I know he’s a worker, he wants to improve, we’re going to do whatever we can to put him in the best situation possible to help this team be successful, and I just couldn’t be happier for him as a person. I’m just excited to have him around here. It’s great.
Luol Deng: I want to start off by thanking a lot of people. I want to thank a lot of people, Jerry Reinsdorf, Gar Forman, Pax, first of all for drafting me and bringing me here to the city of Chicago, that I love since I’ve been here. Just believing in me and trusting in me, and giving me this opportunity. I also want to thank my camp for coming to an agreement or a decision with the organization. It’s something we wanted and I’m very happy that it happened. I definitely want to thank my family, my family and friends, for 21 years it has been nothing but love. We have been through a lot together, and today’s a very special day for all of us.
I’m very excited about coach being here. Since our first meeting, we sat down and coach told me what he sees in me, what I could do, and how we can get better as a team. Right away, I was very excited and I was hoping that we would get this done as soon as possible and we did. You know, this brings a lot of responsibility. It’s a big day and a big responsibility. It’s the responsibility that I’m looking forward to on the court and off the court. I take basketball very seriously, and it’s something I look forward to, and I look forward to putting the team on my shoulders. Getting back to our new era, the great days of basketball, getting the team back to where we need to be.
I also have big responsiblities off the court. My community commitment is also something I take very seriously. With my community work here in Chicago and all around the world, it brings mroe responsibilities, and that’s something I’m excited about and look forward to doing. You know, when we had our first meeting, and we sat down, and I was there with Jason, and we sat there with coach, Paxson, Gar, and Jerry Resindorf, we talked about my commitment and my community work and I told Jerrry how much it meant to me. That was something that meant a lot to him too. I knew that he was excited about how I felt about that. When we walked with Jason, I said that hopefully if we come to an agreement, I could make the world a better place, and that is something I look forward to.
K.C. Johnson: Luol, congratulations. You talk about how Vinny, at the first meeting, talked about ways he invisions using you. Can you share with us some of those thoughts?
Luol Deng: I think the first thing we really focused on was having the chemistry. Really getting to know each other better. The first thing I got right away, was how great of a communicator coach was. He was already telling me stuff from watching me play that I didn’t talk to anybody about. He told me positions on the court where he sees me being successful and what I can do to better my game. I look forward, I like being taught, and I look forward to it.
Reporter: Lu, everyone is hoping that last year was an aberation. Now that you are a cornerstone for years to come, are you hopeful and optimistic that you guys will get back to at least where you guys were 2 years ago and a lot further?
Luol Deng: Definitely, last year was tough. I think, just the way I am, I’m excited for the season. I know that all my teammates are. What we went through last year, something we don’t want to go through. I know how my teammates are, guys are already in here working hard, trying to turn it around. With coach being here and the new coaching staff, everyone is excited and we look forward to playing together with the new coaching staff and also being back on the court and changing things.
Reporter: Lu, looking back, did your contract situation last year weigh on your mind a little bit, and how are things going to be different this year now that you know you’re going to be here for awhile?
Luol Deng: No, everybody talked last year about the contract all year. It was all about timing. Me and my agent made the decision at the time, that we didn’t sign. It was all just a gut feeling at the time. Once I made that decision, it was all behind and we just played basketball. I think there was a lot of things last year that didn’t go right. That made it definitely a tougher year, now that we’ve been through that year, try not to go through that again and learn from it.
Reporter: Luol, congratulations on the new deal. How much do you think about becoming more of a vocal leader. In many cases, if you are the highest paid player, people look to you to be the best player, but also leadership. How are you going to improve that part of your game?
Luol Deng: That’s something me and coach spoke about also. Being a leader, being more vocal. Last year was my first year being a captain and I tried at times. I tried to be the best leader I can, but I know that I’m learning, being a better leader. I feel more comfortable now, being a leader, and being a year older. I think the older I get the better leader I will become. It’s something I’m definitely looking forward to. I don’t mind leading, leading the guys on and off the court, whether it’s being vocal or working hard, it’s something I want to do.
K.C. Johnson: Hey Lu, after Tyson and Kirk signed their deals here, they both talked about the pressure that signing a bigger contract brings. Do you think a bigger contract equates to more pressure, and if so, how do you plan on dealing with that?
Luol Deng: I don’t want to call it pressure. You definitely have responsibilities. I always work hard, I do what I’m supposed to do, I’m committed to being a great player and I see myself as being a great player in this league. Keep working hard, work with my coaching staff and my teammates and getting there. That’s really what I have to focus on.
Mike McGraw: Have you got to know Derrick Rose at all?
Luol Deng: I met Derrick a couple of times. I came, watched practices a couple of times. I’m very excited. I watched Derrick in college. When we got the first pick, I came, tried to watch the guys work out, see him play, and when we drafted him I was really excited. I’m looking forward to playing with Derrick. Great kid off the court. Just seeing him play, I’m already seeing him working hard and staying focused. I already know he’s a hardworker. He’s going to be an exciting player to watch and he’s going to make me and our team a better team. We’re going to see what he can do, but I’m excited.
