There's no way around it, the Chicago Bulls are stuck in a rut. Chicago has won between 31 and 46 games in five consecutive seasons, notably going 118-128 with three straight play-in exits over the last three campaigns.
The Bulls' record hasn't been bad enough to yield a high draft pick, nor good enough to make a postseason run. Chicago is stuck in NBA purgatory, yet Vice President of Basketball Operations Artūras Karnišovas seems to be okay with it.
Artūras Karnišovas philosophy has discouraged Bulls' fans
Following the Bulls' disappointing 19-point Play-In Tournament loss to the Miami Heat, Karnišovas gave a rather interesting exit interview. The vice president of basketball operations preached "shrinking the timeline" as opposed to a flat-out rebuild—a discouraging statement, to say the least.
To end his interview, Karnišovas bashfully asked fans for patience amid Chicago's rebuild. The VP elaborated, stating, "We’re in the first year of that transition. I thought the way we finished the year showed some promise. It’s hard to win games in this league and to finish 15-5, yeah, it’s not a victory lap, but I think there are some positives.”
A decision-maker asking for patience isn't overstepping boundaries by any means. However, in this instance, it is. Bulls fans have seen one playoff victory in the past eight seasons. Patience has run out, and with the Eastern Conference being in a state of disarray, fans are more antsy than ever.
When asked about improving the roster, Karnišovas mentioned the draft, reiterating that's where talent can be found. And after recouping their 2025 first-round draft pick midseason, in the Zach LaVine trade, Karnišovas's mode of operandi surely matches his philosophy. Chicago will be drafting 12th overall come next month, a decisive position in a draft littered with talent.
With great power comes great responsibility. Karnišovas' patient ideology will be tested come late June. That's when the Bulls will be drafting an ever-important piece to add to their never-ending puzzle.
CHSN's K.C. Johnson asks for accountability from Karnišovas
As the NBA Draft looms, Chicago Sports Network's K.C. Johnson uttered an exceedingly agreeable sentiment. When discussing the NBA Draft, Johnson stated, "[The Bulls] have to hit on first-round picks." Not only because it's imperative to improve a so-so roster, but also because Karnišovas's emphasis on the importance of the draft.
Johnson later went on to say, "We heard [Karnišovas] ask for patience. If fans are going to give him patience, he’s gotta reward them by hitting on a first-round pick." Spot on. It's a symbiotic relationship. With patience comes evident improvement.
Karnišovas doesn't have the best track record as a decision-maker. There aren't many overarching bad decisions during his tenure (aside from handing Patrick Williams $90 million), but a clear lack of urgency and utter stagnation are just as discouraging. Fortunately, Karnišovas has a (final?) chance to make his mark, and it's on June 25. Will Bulls fans' longstanding patience be worth it? That, we won't know, at least for another season.