Arturas Karnisovas made it clear from the start that he wanted the Chicago Bulls VP of Basketball Operations job. He wanted it bad. The former Lithuanian star grew up idolizing Michael Jordan and even had a chance to play against the GOAT during the 1992 Summer Olympics. So this was a dream many years in the making. Now he’s achieved it. That leads to the obvious question.
What’s next?
Karnisovas wanted to make sure his message was clear from the start. So he did something a little unprecedented. He wrote an open letter to Bulls fans on NBA.com. What he had to say was equal parts honest, passionate, and crystal clear. This man will be setting the bar of expectations as high as it will go.
“There are no shortcuts to success. A systematic approach is necessary, one that will be the product of focused and intentional hard work and diligence. My professional philosophy is rooted in the concept of “team”: fostering cohesion through transparency, communication and functionality. I am committed to developing this culture and an expectation of winning for the Chicago Bulls.
I will look to get to know our roster, have constant communication with players and staff, create roster balance and stay creative when making deals. I will lead by example by giving my best, each and every day, in everything I do. I will work persistently to build a foundation worthy of the Chicago Bulls and Bulls fans around the world.
Let’s be clear: our ultimate goal is to bring an NBA championship to the city of Chicago.”
Arturas Karnisovas is setting the standard right away
Like any good leader, Karnisovas is setting the cultural standard right from the jump. Nothing less than a championship will be acceptable in this organization moving forward. The way it was during the Jordan years. He can’t promise results but he can promise ceaseless hard work to make it a reality. Already the Bulls VP has made significant changes. Two new faces have joined the front office in J.J. Polk and Pat Connelly. At the same time, GM Gar Forman was fired.
Karnisovas is now beginning his search for a replacement and even has a list of names in mind. Head coach Jim Boylen? A decision on that will come soon enough. The man has a vision for what he wants this team to be and has wasted no time in implementing it.
