Source: Bulls tab Nuggets’ Karnisovas to lead operations
CHICAGO » 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.
The Bulls hired Denver
Nuggets general manager Arturas Karnisovas to run their basketball operation, a person familiar with the situation said.
The person, who confirmed reports by several outlets, spoke on the condition of anonymity.
Longtime executive John Paxson was expected to move into an advisory role. The futures of general manager Gar Forman and coach Jim Boylen were unclear.
The move allows the Bulls to have their new top executive in place if the season resumes from the COVID-19 pandemic suspension.
Karnisovas, 48, starred at Seton Hall and had a successful international career that included two Olympic bronze medals playing for Lithuania. He worked in basketball operations for the NBA from 2003 to 2008 and spent five years as an international scout for the Houston Rockets before joining
Denver’s front office in 2013. He became the Nuggets’ general manager four years later.
Karnisovas had big roles in Denver taking two-time All-Star center Nikola Jokic in the second round of the 2014 draft with the 41st overall pick, as well as recent lottery selections Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. Karnisovas and Connelly
also have constructed a highly respected international scouting operations.
Reports the Bulls would shake up their front office surfaced during the AllStar break in Chicago. They thought they were ready to contend with a young nucleus but were 11th in the Eastern Conference at 22-43 when the season was suspended.