Bulls President Reinsdorf Outlines Criteria for Next Basketball Ops Hire

Reinsdorf wants a process-oriented, decisive communicator to lead the team's basketball operations.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:08pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a fragmented, geometric basketball court scene with overlapping shapes and planes in vibrant colors, conceptually representing the strategic changes the Bulls are seeking in their front office.The Bulls' search for a new basketball operations leader signals a shift towards a more strategic, collaborative approach to team-building.Washington Today

In the wake of firing executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley, Bulls team president Michael Reinsdorf outlined the key criteria he will be looking for in the team's next basketball operations hire. Reinsdorf emphasized the need for a leader who is process-oriented, decisive, a strong communicator, and able to effectively collaborate across the organization's scouting, development, and analytics departments.

Why it matters

The Bulls have struggled to build a consistent winner in recent years, and Reinsdorf's comments suggest he recognizes the need for a more strategic, aligned approach in the team's basketball operations. The next hire will be crucial in setting the direction for the franchise and restoring the team's competitiveness.

The details

Reinsdorf said he wants someone who is 'process-oriented' and not afraid to 'pull the trigger' on roster decisions. He also emphasized the importance of strong communication, both internally and externally with the media and fans. Additionally, Reinsdorf stressed the need for the new hire to be a talented basketball evaluator who can collaborate effectively across the organization's various departments.

  • On Monday, the Bulls fired executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley.
  • Reinsdorf made these comments during a Zoom media session on Tuesday.

The players

Michael Reinsdorf

The president of the Chicago Bulls.

Arturas Karnisovas

The former executive vice president of basketball operations for the Chicago Bulls, who was fired on Monday.

Marc Eversley

The former general manager of the Chicago Bulls, who was fired on Monday.

John Paxson

A former top executive for the Chicago Bulls, known for his strong communication skills.

Gar Forman

The former general manager of the Chicago Bulls, known for pitting people against each other and prioritizing his own survival.

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What they’re saying

“I want someone who is process-oriented. I think the biggest mistakes we have made over the years is we have not followed a process.”

— Michael Reinsdorf, Bulls Team President

“Conviction: We need someone who is not afraid to pull the trigger.”

— Michael Reinsdorf, Bulls Team President

“Communicator: We have a history at the Bulls at the top position other than Pax (John Paxson), they haven't always been the best communicators going back to the days of Jerry Krause.”

— Michael Reinsdorf, Bulls Team President

What’s next

The Bulls will begin their search for a new basketball operations executive, with Reinsdorf emphasizing the need for a strategic, collaborative leader who can effectively communicate the team's vision to players, staff, and fans.

The takeaway

Reinsdorf's comments suggest the Bulls are looking to move away from the siloed, insular approach that has plagued the franchise in recent years. The next hire will be crucial in setting a new direction and restoring the team's competitiveness in the NBA.