The Chicago Tribune is reporting that Tim Thomas has struck a raw nerve with Bulls GM John Paxson.

Paxson took exception to recent comments by Thomas saying he could have helped the Bulls win 20 more games this season and advance to the playoffs.

On a morning radio show, Paxson responded by calling Thomas "delusional" and said the ninth-year forward reported to training camp out of shape in October.

Thomas, waived by the Bulls and now with the Suns, made the remark in a published report, and it wasn't the first time he has criticized the Bulls. He spent less than two months with the Bulls before Paxson asked him to stay home until he could be traded or waived.

Paxson didn't back off his comment when he spoke to reporters at the Berto Center after Bulls practice.

"I am not going to apologize for us having a certain standard," Paxson said. "That's what it comes down to. He didn't fit into that standard. He can say whatever he wants. He's entitled to that. But so can I."

"I'm not going to apologize for asking our players to work hard and be in shape and those types of things. It's really as simple as that. If he thinks we would have won 20 more games with him, then I used the right word this morning on the radio."