2024-04-21 13:26:25
The Chicago team won 39 times in 82 games of the NBA regular season and took 9th place in the Eastern Conference. This gave the Bulls a chance to compete in the playoffs, but luck was lacking there. The Chicago team lost the first meeting with the Atlanta Haws 116:131, and lost 91:112 in the decisive match against the Miami Heat.
After the season, A. Karnišov announced that the Bulls’ main trio – Zach LaVine, DeMaro DeRozan and Nikola Vičevičius – had reached the end of their journey with the Chicago team.
“Something didn’t work in this group. I need to find a group that works better. Needless to say, the end of the season didn’t live up to expectations, injuries and all. Every season where we don’t travel far in the playoffs requires deep analysis, which has already begun.
I can only say positive things about our players, but as a team we did not live up to expectations. We are not here for relegation and we need to make changes to rectify the situation. I take full responsibility for where we are now. I know that the fans are not satisfied with our results, I am not satisfied either”, A. Karnišovas said at the press conference.
The basketball player, who won the European silver in 1995 with the Lithuanian national team, promised that the “Bulls” will aggressively look for new players in the free agent market.
“I think we will follow the path we took in the summer of 2021. Of course, we cannot continue with the same team and expect different results. Even with some positives, overtime wins and last seconds, that leaves us with 39 wins and a playoff berth. We have to somehow generate 10 more victories, – began the Lithuanian. “I’m thinking about winning, and that’s why I’m here.” I’m not here for mid-table positions. I thought that the formula we developed three years ago was working. Until a couple of injuries. We’ve been creative in the past, and we’ll look at all options this offseason as well.”
A. Karnišovas also talked about his aspirations for the NBA title and the current Bulls coach.
“I won’t be satisfied until we bring a championship to Chicago.” That’s what I was hired for, that’s why I’m here. My mission does not change, – said A. Karnišovas. “Billy is a great coach and a great person, and I have to do better to help him.” My job is to give the coach the resources he needs to keep us blessed as a team.”
The Lithuanian also emphasized his desire to keep D. DeRozan, who became a free agent after this season.
“He’s been great for three years. He’s dedicated himself to Chicago, he’s helped our young players, so both parties have an interest in continuing the work,” said the Bulls’ vice president.
2024-04-21 13:26:25