Chicago Bulls: Karnisovas using Suns as model for success

Heading into this season, the Chicago Bulls were looking to put the type of team together that could compete to make a deep playoff run in the Eastern Conference. And it looks like the front office was successful in at least putting a postseason contender together during the offseason. Now, the Bulls must prove that they can be successful out on the court together.

Second-year head coach Billy Donovan and the Bulls have a much better roster this season, and the team looked to prove that during the preseason. The Bulls went through the four-game preseason slate unscathed, leading to a team that had a good bit of confidence and momentum heading into the regular season opener.

Executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley gave Donovan the resources he needs to at least snap the four-year-long postseason drought.

According to a report from Chris Herring of Sports Illustrated on Oct. 20, Karnisovas is essentially trying to “emulate” what the Phoenix Suns did on their path to contention last season. The abrupt success that the Suns found, nearly winning an NBA Title over the Milwaukee Bucks, was largely thanks to the addition of veteran star point guard Chris Paul.

Chicago Bulls EVP of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas taking inspiration from the Suns

And when Karnisovas and the Bulls went out to get the likes of point guard Lonzo Ball, star shooting guard/forward DeMar DeRozan, point guard Alex Caruso, etc., last offseason, it was likely with a similar goal in mind. You can even go back to the trade deadline last season to find some of the bigger addition to help right the ship right away for the Bulls.

The Bulls also added star center Nikola Vucevic, shooting guard/small forward Troy Brown Jr., shooting guard Javonte Green, etc., at the trade deadline last season.

We’ll see if the Bulls can continue the momentum heading into their home opener on Oct. 22. Following a low-scoring 94-88 win over the Detroit Pistons in the regular season opener on the road on Oct. 20, the Bulls are looking to continue their success in the win column.

The Bulls will take on the star forward duo of Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram and the New Orleans Pelicans at the United Center in the home opener on the night of Oct. 22. Taking a record of 2-0 into the weekend would be a huge momentum boost for the Bulls.