Arturas Karnisovas has been at the forefront of the Bulls' mediocrity over the last decade. During his tenure, Chicago has a sub-500 record, one playoff appearance, and a 1-4 postseason record. One of his most crucial mistakes was drafting Patrick Williams fourth overall with his first draft selection as the team's front-office leader. Not only did this set the organization back four years from a wasted top-five pick, but the lackluster results were extended several years by bringing back the underperforming forward on a 5-year, $90-million contract after a poor start to his career. Betting on his young age and future potential, Karnisovas saw the deal as a team-friendly way to retain a two-way potential star. This season has proved once again that not only is Karnisovas not the man for the job of turning the tide in the Windy City, but Williams isn't either.
Patrick Williams Has To Go
After four years of holding out for the former Florida State Seminole, waiting for his breakout game, week, month, or season, Bulls fans have concluded that he won't develop any further in Chicago. Most of the fanbase and media members were surprised and upset when the front office decided to grant him another five years of opportunity at $18 million annually. This year has only added fuel to that fire, as his averages have all dipped once again, seemingly a never-ending occurrence for the young forward.
100% it's time to move on from Patrick Williams.
— Chicago Bulls Talk (@BullsSource) March 25, 2025
He hasn't progressed since his rookie season. Usually you give a rookie 2 to 3 seasons to show signs, then move on because after that they rarely pan out.
Dump for a shorter contract is the way to go as soon as an offer is made.
Through 53 games this year, Williams is averaging a career-low in field goal percentage, three-point percentage, free throw percentage, points, and rebounds. Nearing the summation of his fifth season as a professional, it's well past time to cut ties with the former bust of a draft choice.
Arturas Karnisovas Must Be Held Accountable
Chicago's front office leader has taken most of the heat for the organization's shortcomings over the past near-decade, split pretty evenly with former All-Star guard Zach LaVine. Now that LaVine has been shipped away, two seasons too late on AK's part, the team's record and standing have improved miraculously. He was one of the most significant issues, evidenced by the turnaround, and Karnisovas should be scrutinized equally. Lonzo Ball, Nikola Vucevic, and Patrick Williams represent the most expensive contracts on the roster, and the entire trio has not contributed to the recent winning spree. All three have been hurt or benched for the most successful recent stretches of the newfound triumph. Once again, similar to holding LaVine well past his productive days, managerial malpractice is a legitimate debate.
Well, at least the Bulls didn't trade Luka. They have that going for them.
— Dave (@dave_bfr) February 3, 2025
But Artūras Karnišovas needs to go—he’s one of the worst hires in Chicago sports history.
Will AK survive another summer if Chicago fails to reach the postseason again? If so, will he finally admit his faults with Patrick Williams and move on from the failing 23-year-old?
