The final of the Western Conference in 2020 had to offer Artura’s Karnišovas a wide range of emotions.
On the one hand, the Bulls’ newly-appointed executive vice president for basketball operations was all in his new challenge and dream job of serving as a general manager. On the other hand, he watched as the Denver Nuggets progressed within one step of the NBA Finals.
A Nuggets team that, as Tim Connelly’s right-hand man and for seven seasons the second leader, played a big role in the lineup.
Those players know. That’s why they enjoyed running into Karnišovas at the United Center on Monday night while the Bulls and Nuggets lost for the first time since changing jobs.
“He’s a really good guy. We enjoyed his time while he was in Denver. He always talked to me,” guard Jamal Murray said. “This is someone who always wants the best for you. I met his wife. He let me come and his child had a hope and all that. He’s just a good guy, one of the family guys with “you want to keep in touch. You. I’m going to hear the same answer from everyone. Just a good man who does his job really well.”
Perhaps no stronger bond has emerged from his Nuggets office than Karnišovas with Nikola Jokić, whose extraordinary skills against the Bulls were on display. Drawn in the second round, Jokić is now a steadfast candidate for the All-NBA who said he first met Karnišovas two years before the draft.
“I just have a long relationship with him. He’s from Europe, so we have a similar attitude. He’s a great guy to have, ‘ Jokic said. “It’s a new challenge for him. I look forward to seeing what he’s going to do. They have an All-Star this year [Zach LaVine] so that’s a good thing. I wish him all the best. ‘
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