Chicago Bulls: 3 early coaching candidates to replace Boylen

2. Wes Unseld Jr.

If Karnisovas were to bring someone with him from the Nuggets, then Unseld Jr. would definitely be an intriguing choice. A true career journeyman since he started his coaching run in professional basketball, Unseld Jr. started off with the Wizards back in 2005. He’s one of the more tenured NBA assistant coaches that seems to be on the shortlist to be the next Bulls head coach.

Unseld was on staff with the Wizards until the conclusion of the 2010-11 season. He then took a job with former head coach Mark Jackson and the Warriors prior to the start of the 2011-12 season. But he was only on staff for one season with the Warriors until he would take another job with the Orlando Magic for the 2012-13 season.

He did spend a few seasons with the Magic coaching staff before they turned it all over in Orlando in 2015. That’s where Unseld first had the chance to land in his latest role, which was on staff with the Nuggets. He was one of the assistant coaches on staff with the Nuggets starting during the 2015-16, and then was promoted to lead assistant heading into the 2016-17 campaign.

The main connection between Karnisovas and Unseld along with the Nuggets is a former executive in the Mile High City. Recently hired Bulls executive Tim Connelly is a lifelong friend of Unseld, and is one of the main reasons why he landed with the Nuggets in the first place five years ago. With Connelly now in Chicago, this is definitely a connection to watch.