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.
Arturas Karnisovas, Denver Nuggets general manager, was hired by the Bulls to oversee their basketball operation, according to an individual familiar with the situation on Thursday night.
The individual, who verified reports from various sources, requested anonymity as the action has yet to be publicly announced.
It was anticipated that veteran executive John Paxson would transition into a consulting position. The future roles of general manager Gar Forman and coach Jim Boylen remained uncertain.
This move enables the Bulls to position their new top executive if the season recommences following the suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Karnisovas, now 48, had a distinguished career in basketball. His achievements include two Olympic bronze medals for Lithuania, and a successful stint at Seton Hall. His career in basketball operations began in 2003 for the NBA and continued until 2008. He then took on the role of international scout for the Houston Rockets for five years. In 2013, he joined Denver’s front office, later becoming the Nuggets’ general manager in 2017 after Tim Connelly moved up from GM to president of basketball operations.
Karnisovas played a significant part in Denver’s selection of two-time All-Star center Nikola Jokic in the 2014 draft’s second round with the 41st overall pick. He also had a hand in the recent lottery selections of Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. Alongside Connelly, Karnisovas has 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, there were reports about potential changes in the Bulls’ front office. The team, believing they had a competitive young core, were ready to vie for a playoff spot. However, they were positioned 11th in the Eastern Conference with a 22-43 record when the season was paused.
After 17 years in charge of the front office, Paxson, who scored the championship-winning 3-pointer for Chicago against Phoenix in 1993, is stepping down.
After Jerry Krause resigned due to a failed rebuilding attempt following the Michael Jordan-Scottie Pippen era, he assumed the role of general manager in 2003.
In May 2009, Paxson was promoted to the position of Vice President of Basketball Operations, with Forman, who had joined the Bulls as a scout in 1998, assuming the role of General Manager.
