Executive VP of Basketball Operations
The initial hire that sparked all of these dominos that have fallen since to remodel the Bulls front office hopefully in a brighter light than it was before was bringing over Karnisovas from Denver. There were a number of previous discussions that Karnisovas found himself in the midst of over the last three or four years, including lead executive roles with the New York Knicks and Wizards front offices.
Karnisovas was promoted during the 2017 offseason to become the Nuggets general manager. He held that role until the point of joining the Bulls front office earlier this year. Prior to that promotion to become the Nuggets general manager, Karnisovas was an assistant general manager and vice president of basketball operations (starting in 2013-14).
The bulk of Karnisovas’ experience in NBA front offices started with the Houston Rockets in the late 2000’s. That obviously gives him a good modern touch to his management style and organizational assembly. Starting prior to the 2008-09 season, he was the Rockets director of global scouting and international affairs.
Prior to the start of the 2011-12 season, the Rockets promoted Karnisovas to the director of scouting role. He would stay as their director of scouting for two seasons as his final promotion in his run with the Rockets.
The added value that Karnisovas brings to the table with his international scouting experience flanks the roster construction experience and domestic scouting value that Connelly and Eversley have. This is a good mix in the Bulls front office by all indications thus far.