Bulls announce Pat Connelly, J.J. Polk as newest front office hires

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The Bulls announced the hires of Pat Connelly and J.J. Polk Wednesday afternoon, the two latest official additions to the team’s revamped front office.

Connelly’s title will be vice president of player personnel where he “will primarily be responsible for the structure and processes of the scouting department.” As an assistant general manager, Polk “will primarily be responsible for strategic planning and salary cap management” (in addition to some personnel duties), according to a release.

Before joining the Bulls, Connelly served as director of pro personnel with the Denver Nuggets, and before then as assistant GM with the Phoenix Suns and director of player personnel with the Washington Wizards. His talent evaluation acumen comes touted.

Polk has spent the last 10 seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans, most recently in the position of director of basketball administration. He is renowned for his salary cap expertise.

"Pat and JJ both bring valuable experience that will enhance our basketball operations department," Arturas Karnisovas said in a statement. “I know that the skills these two possess will be an asset in building out our program. 

“J.J.'s expertise with cap management and negotiations will help us be creative in our deals and contracts, while Pat's great eye for talent, global contacts and networking capabilities will organize our scouting department in a productive way. Combined, these two basketball minds will help increase functionality and implement our vision of moving this program forward."

The two join Karnisovas (executive vice president of basketball operations) and Marc Eversley (general managers) as recent front office hires.

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