Be it the build-up/anticipation or the actual premiere, “The Last Dance” has been a welcomed distraction over the past week or so. However, it wasn’t long after episodes 1 and 2 finished-up on Sunday night that I asked myself: “Oh yeah, what about the here and now?”
After the Bulls officially announced Arturas Karnisovas as the new executive vice president of basketball operations on April 13th, things quieted down. What was once a consistent stream of rumors and buzz quickly turned into the occasional update – most of which about Jim Boylen trying to save his job.
However, that’s not to be unexpected. Karnisovas made two quick, but important hires (JJ Polk and Pat Connelly), and clearly outlined the next step: hire the right general manager. And while I’m dying to find out who’ll help lead this organization into its next chapter, Karnisovas diligence is refreshing. We’ve heard plenty about his strict devotion to systematic evaluation, so it’s nice to see him stick to those principles.
Karnisovas said it himself: “I’m going to take my time as well because it’s a very important decision for me.”
Taking his time or not, the process is progressing:
Last week, Arturas Karnisovas said he'd have "an extensive and diverse process" to hire his GM. First round of interviews is ongoing. Would assume that process leads to 2nd round with finalists. Also, Bucks assistant GM Milt Newton is new potential candidate linked to role.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) April 21, 2020
According to K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago, the Bulls first round of GM interviews is “ongoing.” Moreover, Bucks assistant GM Milt Newton has been thrown into the ring.
So who is he? Newton joined the Bucks organization in 2017 after serving as the Minnesota Timberwolves GM (2013-2016). Yes, he was let-go during an overhaul … but it’s the T-Wolves, so I don’t know if he complained too much. And before his time with the T-Wolves, Newton was the VP of Player Personnel for the Washington Wizards (2003 to 2013). His resume is filled with many other eye-catching achievements, including a 1988 NCAA Championship win as a starting-member of the Kansas Jayhawks, an assistant director position with USA basketball, and a role in the NBA’s front office where he helped jump-start the (now) G-League.
Other points worth mentioning, Newton drafted Karl-Anthony Towns and Zach LaVine, and he’s also responsible for the three-team trade that brought Andrew Wiggins to Minnesota (I know Wiggins didn’t turn out to be what everyone hoped, but he was the No. 1 pick that year, so it was a good return).
All in all, Newton is yet another name to add to the solid list of GM candidates for the Bulls:
• Bucks assistant GM Milt Newton
• Mavericks VP of basketball operations Michael Finley
• 76ers senior VP of player personnel Marc Eversley
• Clippers assistant GM Mark Hughes
• Orlando Magic assistant GM Matt Lloyd