Chicago Bulls (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
The Chicago Bulls organization is off and running in a new direction, as new executive Arturas Karnisovas has already made his first hire.
While some may think this has all moved a bit too quickly, the Chicago Bulls are rapidly moving their organization in a new direction whether the outside likes it or not.
Just a few days ago, the team announced it would begin its search for a new executive which would be in complete control of basketball operations. Then came the news regarding John Paxson and the fact he would step back considerably, and maybe altogether, if it meant progress for the organization as a whole.
In almost no time, the Bulls had hired former Denver Nuggets general manager Arturas Karnisovas to become the new head of basketball operations.
Karnisovas comes to the Bulls after having made the Nuggets a competitive team once again and had a hand in finding players like Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murrray, Malik Beasley and Will Barton, among others.
Right off the bat, it became public that Karnisovas would build his own front office the way he wants. Only a couple of days on the job, and Karnisovas has made his first hire — J.J. Polk, former executive director of basketball administration with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Polk joins Karnisovas’ staff as an assistant general manager and, here’s the kicker: He won’t be the only one. The Bulls will bring on multiple assistant GMs in the coming days, with Polk being hired for his specializing in the league’s salary cap, per NBCS Chicago.
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This first of many moves by Karnisovas should come as a breath of fresh air to fans and the city. He’s been on board for less than a week, and already he is moving quickly. It is abundantly clear Karnisovas has a plan in place, and he’s going to go out and get his guys for the front office.
Polk has been with the Pelicans for the duration of his time in the NBA. Interestingly enough, before the NBA he practiced law after studying at the University of Illinois, so it is a bit of familiarity for Polk as he returns to the state.
I would fully expect Karnisovas to make additional moves sooner rather than later, especially with the season on hold right now. His acting quickly with Polk should prove he is ready to steer this franchise in a new, positive direction and it begins immediately.
Having been respected for his international scouting ability and knowing what it takes to build a quality roster, I would anticipate the Bulls become competitive once again — and it might not take long. But, who will be sticking around? That’s the big question. Whether it’s Jim Boylen or any of the players, I would bet no one is safe. That will be a topic to monitor going forward, along with more hirings to come.
