Chicago Bulls VP speaks about new additions: "We added a couple guys who can defend and play with a high energy and motor"

Entering the offseason, Chicago Bulls executive vice president Arturas Karnisovas had his work cut out for him. The Bulls missed the postseason after previously finishing the season as the sixth seed. The team's flaws—especially its lack of three-point shooters—were glaringly obvious. Karnisovas wasted almost no time in addressing those holes, acquiring guard Jevon Carter and forward Torrey Craig in free agency. With the moves, Karnisovas has put the Bulls in a position to once again compete for a playoff spot.

Make up for Lonzo's absence

With starting point guard Lonzo Ball set to miss a second straight season due to knee surgery, it was imperative for Karnisovas to find a suitable replacement. Enter Carter, who could become Ball's ideal substitute. The 27-year-old guard is a dynamic defender and shooter, averaging 8 points per game on nearly 42 percent shooting from three last season with the Milwaukee Bucks. His ballhandling and decision-making will also help make up for Ball's absence.

"Unfortunately, we're going to miss 'Zo," said Karnisovas. "He's the player that pushes the ball, pushes the tempo, gives you 3-point shooting. So we tried to address this, this offseason. And I think we got toughness, some shooting, and some guys who play with energy and a motor."

Craig is another crucial piece of the puzzle. A physical "3-and-D" forward who shot 39 percent from long distance last season, the 25-year-old can play multiple positions and bring a different dynamic to Chicago.

The #Bulls two free agent signings:

- Torrey Craig: elite defender, 40% 3pt FG on 3 attempts per game

- Jevon Carter: elite defender, 42% 3pt FG on 4 attempts per game pic.twitter.com/PjViwLzkPB
— Die-Hard Chicago Bulls Fans (@DieHardCBfans) July 3, 2023

Adding to the core

Preaching continuity once again, Karnisovas said he hopes the new guys will mesh well to the core of DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic, Patrick Williams, Alex Caruso, and the newly-re-signed Coby White.

"We just tried to add to that group," Karnisovas added. "I think the parity in the league is obvious. We lost a lot of close games last year. So we added a couple guys and hopefully, the parity in the league will help us compete in every game."

The #Bulls last season 3pt % / 3pt attempts (including new additions)

1) Jevon Carter - 42.1% / 337 attempts

2) Patrick Williams - 41.5% / 277 attempts

3) Torrey Craig - 39.5% / 253 attempts

4) Zach LaVine - 37.5% / 544 attempts pic.twitter.com/xRHCekqfx5
— Die-Hard Chicago Bulls Fans (@DieHardCBfans) July 3, 2023