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, the general manager of the Denver Nuggets, was hired by the Bulls to head their basketball operation, according to a source familiar with the situation on Thursday night.
The individual, who verified reports from various sources, requested anonymity as the move has not yet been publicly announced.
It was anticipated that veteran executive John Paxson would transition into an advisory position. The future roles of general manager Gar Forman and coach Jim Boylen remained uncertain.
The move enables the Bulls to position their new chief executive, should the season recommence following the suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Karnisovas, aged 48, was a star player at Seton Hall and had a triumphant international career, which included winning two Olympic bronze medals representing Lithuania. From 2003 to 2008, he was employed in basketball operations for the NBA and then spent five years working as an international scout for the Houston Rockets. In 2013, he moved to Denver’s front office and was promoted to the position of general manager of the Nuggets four years later, with Tim Connelly being elevated from GM to president of basketball operations.
Karnisovas played a significant role in Denver’s decision to draft two-time All-Star center Nikola Jokic in the second round of the 2014 draft with the 41st overall pick. He was also instrumental in the recent lottery selections of Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. Alongside Connelly, Karnisovas has built an internationally recognized scouting operation.
With a 43-22 record, Denver is leading the Northwest division and ranks third in the Western Conference.
During the All-Star break in Chicago, rumors emerged about the Bulls intending to restructure their front office. They believed they were primed to compete for a playoff spot with their young core, but found themselves 11th in the Eastern Conference with a 22-43 record when the season was put on hold.
Paxson, known for scoring the championship-winning 3-pointer for Chicago against Phoenix in 1993, is stepping down from running the front office after 17 years.
After Jerry Krause resigned due to a failed rebuild post the Michael Jordan-Scottie Pippen era, he assumed the role of general manager in 2003.
In May 2009, Paxson was elevated to the position of vice president of basketball operations, while Forman, who had been with the Bulls as a scout since 1998, assumed the role of GM.
