The 2020 Western Conference finals must have presented a wide range of emotions for Artūras Karnišovas.
On the one hand, the Bulls’ newly appointed executive vice president of basketball operations was involved in his new challenge and dream of serving as chief executive. On the other hand, he watched as the Denver Nuggets advanced to a stage in the NBA finals.
A team from the Nuggets who, as Tim Connelly’s right-hand man and second in command for seven seasons, he played an important role in helping to assemble.
These players know. That’s why they liked to meet Karnišovas while spending Monday night at the United Center, when the Bulls and Nuggets clashed for the first time since he changed jobs.
“He is a very good guy. We enjoyed his time while he was in Denver. He always talked to me,” said guard Jamal Murray. “He’s someone who always wants the best for you. I met his wife. He let me go and his son was excited and everything. He’s just a nice guy, one of those family guys you love to keep in touch with. You’re going to hear the same kind of response from everyone. Just a good guy who does his job very well. “
Perhaps there was no stronger link to the Nuggets’ mandate than the one that Karnišovas shared with Nikola Jokić, whose extraordinary skills were on display against the Bulls. Escalated in the second round, Jokić is now a perennial All-NBA candidate, who said he first met Karnišovas two years before the enlistment.
“I just have a long relationship with him. He’s from Europe, so (we) have a similar mindset. He’s a great guy, ” Jokić said. “This is a new challenge for him. I am looking forward to seeing what he will do. They have an All-Star this year. [Zach LaVine] so this is a good thing. I wish him well. “
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