In his role, Connelly will oversee the Bulls scouting department's structure and process, the team said. Polk's primary responsibility will be salary cap management and strategic planning, according to the team.
New Bulls executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas reached agreements to add Connelly and Polk shortly after he was named to his new position in mid-April.
"Pat and JJ both bring valuable experience that will enhance our basketball operations department,” Karnisovas said in a statement. “I know that the skills these two possess will be an asset in building out our program. JJ’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.”
Connelly most recently served as the Nuggets' director of pro personnel for one season. Prior to that, he served as a Suns assistant general manager for five seasons. He also worked for the Wizards from 2006-'13. He got his start with Washington as an advance scout.
Polk worked for the Pelicans for the past 10 seasons, most recently as their executive director of basketball administration. He has a law degree and practiced in that field for six years before joining the NBA ranks. Polk played professional basketball in Sweden, Latvia and China from 1997-2000.