There are some things that are out of Bulls guard Josh Giddey’s pay grade.
That was the approach he took Friday, and he didn’t stray from it.
So when the subject of executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley being fired was raised, Giddey took the high road and stuck to it.
‘‘I understand the business side of basketball and, just like players when we’re not performing or living up to expectations, kind of the nature of the business,’’ Giddey said. ‘‘Obviously, I built a relationship with [Karnisovas] and Marc while they were here, and I appreciate everything they did for me — bringing me here, extending me. So [I’m] very grateful for my time with them. But it’s part of the business, and that’s how it goes sometimes.
‘‘Similar to players, when you don’t perform, your job can be in jeopardy, and that goes for anybody in the building. I didn’t expect it or not expect it. I really didn’t think about it too much. These decisions are all a part of the business we’re in, and when ownership feels that a change is needed, they make those decisions accordingly. It’s sad because of the human aspect, the relationships you build with those people. But it’s a business, and I’m sure those guys will be all right.’’
It was a busy Friday for Giddey. The Bulls announced he was done for the season, not wanting to mess any longer with a left hamstring that has been an issue several times, and he also had to field questions about the future of coach Billy Donovan.
Again, Giddey stressed that decision will be made by those higher on the totem pole. He only could speak about his relationship with Donovan.
‘‘He’s been awesome,’’ Giddey said. ‘‘I’ve loved him ever since I got here. He’s been very straightforward, and I think all the guys would say the same thing. He’s very direct. He tells you what you need to hear and not what you want to hear, and he gives it to you straight. He coaches hard; he wants to win every game. You see how competitive he is on the sidelines. I couldn’t speak highly enough about him. I hope he’s here for a long time.’’
That all might play out in the next week. Donovan is scheduled to meet with ownership after the Bulls’ season ends Sunday in Dallas. Will it be a quick decision by Donovan, or will it require some time for him to weigh the pros and cons?
Giddey said he hasn’t spoken with Donovan about it but said he will.
Then again, Giddey has his own list of concerns. He and forward Matas Buzelis are considered the two key players the Bulls will try to build around. For that to be a reality, however, both will have to make considerable jumps.
For Giddey, that means heading back to Australia when the season ends, taking a breath for a week, then working to strengthen his hamstring and tighten up his game.
‘‘I thought it was all right,’’ Giddey said of his individual season. ‘‘I thought it was growth over last year. It doesn’t count for a lot if you’re not winning games, and we didn’t finish anywhere near [where] we wanted to at the end of the regular 82 games.
‘‘I thought individually I was OK, up and down. But I’ve got to find ways to impact winning, and that’s probably the next step for me as a player.’’
