CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Bulls came into the season thinking they were poised to contend for a playoff spot. The plan did not unfold the way they envisioned, and now, they have a new leader in the front office.
On Thursday night, a source revealed that Arturas Karnisovas, the general manager of the Denver Nuggets, has been hired by The Bulls to head their basketball operations.
The individual, who verified reports from various sources, requested anonymity due to the unannounced nature of the move.
John Paxson, a long-serving executive, was anticipated to transition into a consulting position. However, the future roles of general manager Gar Forman and coach Jim Boylen remained uncertain.
This move enables the Bulls to have their new chief executive ready if the season recommences after the COVID-19 pandemic suspension.
Karnisovas, who is 48 years old, had a notable career in basketball. He played at Seton Hall and had an international career which saw him winning two Olympic bronze medals representing Lithuania. Between 2003 and 2008, he was part of the NBA’s basketball operations. He then served as an international scout for the Houston Rockets for five years before joining the front office of the Denver Nuggets in 2013. Four years later, Karnisovas was promoted to the position of general manager of the Nuggets, which resulted in Tim Connelly’s promotion from general manager to president of basketball operations.
Karnisovas played a significant part in Denver’s decision to select two-time All-Star center Nikola Jokic with the 41st overall pick in the second round of the 2014 draft. He also contributed to the recent lottery selections of Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. In addition, Karnisovas and Connelly have successfully built a highly esteemed international scouting operation.
With a 43-22 record, Denver is leading the Northwest division and is third in the Western Conference.
During the All-Star break in Chicago, rumors emerged that the Bulls intended to restructure their front office. Despite their belief in their young core’s capability to contend for a playoff spot, they found themselves 11th in the Eastern Conference with a 22-43 record when the season was put on hold.
After running the front office for 17 years, Paxson, who scored the championship-winning 3-pointer for Chicago against Phoenix in 1993, is stepping aside.
After Jerry Krause resigned due to a failed rebuild post the Michael Jordan-Scottie Pippen era, he assumed the position of general manager in 2003.
In May 2009, Paxson was elevated to the position of vice president of basketball operations. At the same time, Forman, who started with the Bulls as a scout in 1998, took over as GM.
