Bulls cleaning house by firing Arturas Karnisovas, Marc Eversely is best move they’ve made in years

For too long, the Chicago Bulls have been stuck in the dark abyss of the NBA seller. With virtually no hope of ever finding the light to salvation. However, the news that VP Arturas Karnisovas and GM Marc Eversely were fired before the season’s conclusion is that flash of light.

On Monday, ESPN’s Jamal Collier confirmed their departures. Both Karnisovas and Eversely were hired in the Bulls front office during the 2020-21 season. Since then, they have only produced one semblance of a winning season in 2021-22. The Bulls made it to the playoffs before losing to the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round.

In the process, they compiled a 224-254 record over six seasons.

Aside from that, it’s been a never-ending cycle of underperformance, roster turnover, and injuries. The one constant has been Billy Donovan as head coach, with his future very much in doubt given that it’s reportedly tied to that of the front office.

In a statement, team owner Michael Reinsdorf expressed appreciation to AK and Eversely but made clear that the focus is on trying something different.

“These decisions are never easy, especially when they involve people we respect both personally and professionally,” Reinsdorf said. “We are grateful for their dedication and the work they’ve put in over the past six years. At the same time, we have not had the success our fans deserve, and it’s my responsibility to go in a new direction.

“This move is about positioning our team for sustained success moving ahead.”

Frankly, it is long overdue. The Bulls need a shake-up and a renewed focus on winning.

Currently, the Bulls are 29-49 and in the midst of a seven-game losing streak. After being counted out for so long, this is their time for a change.

Luckily, the Bulls have a pool of candidates to choose from

Truth be told, it would be hard to deny a shot at being VP and/or GM of the Bulls. Despite their losing record in recent years, it remains a popular franchise in a big market with money to spend.

Plus, they are on the cusp of securing a high lottery pick. If that wasn’t enough, they have promise in young talent, which includes Matas Buzelis, Josh Giddey, and Jalen Smith. And if they were smart, keep Leonard Miller, Collin Sexton, and Rob Dillingham, who have demonstrated consistency on the floor and don’t cost much.

All of which is a perfect context for a venerable executive to come in and get to work. According to Stephen Noh of The Sporting News, there are six worthy candidates to be the next GM in Chicago.

They are Mike Zarren, Steve Weinman, Matt Lloyd, Zach Kleinman, Mike Dunleavy Jr., and Bob Myers. Each of whom possesses a strong background in player development, analytics, the free-agent market, and drafting.

In fact, Weinman spent 13 seasons in Chicago as the Vice President of Basketball Strategy and Analytics and Assistant General Manager. He developed a strong intuition about analytics and had a good eye for talent. Along the way, Weinman was well respected within the organization.

However, he left after vehemently disagreeing with AK’s approach. Lately, he’s been the Associate Athletics Director for Analytics/General Manager at Wake Forest.

Also, Lloyd served as a scout for the Bulls from 1999 to 2008. He learned from Jerry Krause and John Paxson. Ultimately, it was Lloyd’s skill that brought Derrick Rose, Taj Gibson, and Jimmy Butler to Chicago.

In essence, the pool is open, and the Bulls have to dive in.

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