Goombah,

If you recall, the way the Bulls front office handled Phil Jackson and MJ following the second 3peat made a lot of players wary of signing with the Bulls. And that was mainly a money issue , if I recall...with Phil and the organization not agreeing on either money or length of contract.

If you win ring(S) and don't get taken care of by the franchise, what makes unproven guys think that organization will treat them right if they sign.

Bulls were terrible for years and had to build up team through the draft.

Gilbert's words were personal....and I didn't even catch the full story....and it alienated superstar, star, and even good players from thinking of joining the Cavs. Gilbert's words turned out to be a lot of huffing and puffing because under his watch and without Bron....Cavs didn't do anything.

With Bron (and the players that he helped recruit) and KI....2 finals appearances and 1 ring in two years.