Chicago Bulls: Arturas Karnisovas is off to an impressive start

It’s early, but the new Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations is impressing for the Chicago Bulls.

It has to be a refreshing change for Chicago Bulls fans to watch Arturas Karnisovas operate. Even though he has only been on the job for less than a week, he is already impressing fans and breathing new life into an organization that had been flatlining for years.

In fairness, just about anyone with a pulse would have been received well by the fanbase, considering what it just endured for the last 17 years. Though there were moments in that time, on balance, the John Paxson and Gar Forman era was one to forget, and more recently, it was an unmitigated disaster.

It was pretty well known that the players didn’t have the greatest relationship with Forman, and it was made abundantly clear this season that they don’t much care for head coach Jim Boylen either. While Paxson seemed to have the respect of the players, his decisions and failures drained most of the capital he built up with them, and it was time for him to go.

Now Karnisovas takes over, and in just a few short days has knocked it out of the park. He has been direct, but transparent. In describing his decision to part ways with Forman, he mentioned that he was here to “effect change.” While he has retained Paxson, he made it clear it is in an advisory role. He recognizes that Pax still has some value, though he just not suited to be a decision-maker. The ability to openly and honestly evaluate the situation without any preconceived notions is the sign of a good leader.

He’s already begun revamping the front office’s operations, hiring assistant general manager, JJ Polk who is known as a salary cap expert, and Pat Connelly, a well-respected scout in the league. He’s committed to reviewing all of the organization’s blind-spots and thoroughly evaluating where the organization has been deficient.

Finally, he penned a very candid and heartfelt letter to the fans on Monday. In it, Karnisovas paid homage to the franchise’s history and promised to take a creative but balanced approach to roster construction. He also highlighted a trait of his that should help the Bulls have better success in landing high-profile free agents. Karnisovas is known to be very approachable and someone who connects with his players. He underscored this point by emphasizing how he will be in constant communication with his players.

Karinsovas is, in so many ways, and particularly the ones that matter, so different than his predecessor. Whether his approach will work remains to be seen, but it’s a good feeling to know there is a new voice plotting the course to take this franchise in a new direction.