The current iteration of the Chicago Bulls roster is a middle-of-the-pack team built to compete for a Play-In spot and not much more. That said, it’s far superior to some of the teams Chicago was rolling out in the mid-to-late-2010s. For years, Chicago was a staple at the bottom of the standings, with players cycling in and out every season.
But just because the teams were bad doesn’t mean all the players were. In fact, some have gone on to have solid careers elsewhere, including overseas. Nikola Mirotic, a headliner for the rebuilding Bulls, is a legend on the international stage, and it seems like the current Chicago front office is keeping tabs.
According to Daniel Greenberg (@ChiSportUpdates), Bulls President of Basketball Operations Arturas Karnisovas is currently overseas watching the playoffs of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague. One of the games he spectated featured Mirotic.
Chicago Bulls Basketball Chief Arturas Karnisovas is currently overseas attending playoff games in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.
One of the games Arturas attended was Real Madrid vs Barcelona. Former Bulls player Nikola Mirotic plays for Barcelona.
— Daniel Greenberg (@ChiSportUpdates) May 20, 2023
Mirotic currently plays for Barcelona, who took on Real Madrid in the playoffs. Karnisovas, who also had success on the international stage, played for Barcelona from 2000 to 2002.
Obviously, the likelihood that Karnisovas was in attendance purely to watch Mirotic is slim. He was most likely there for his own enjoyment or to scout younger players. At 32 years old and comfortably playing overseas, it’s highly unlikely that Mirotic would return to the NBA.
In 51 games with Barcelona this year, Mitoric has averaged 14.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists on 48.5% shooting from the field and 37.6% shooting from behind the three-point line.
It’s fun to see former Bulls players thriving elsewhere.
