When the Chicago Bulls handed Billy Donovan an extension this offseason, some were quick to roll their eyes.
The move felt like another instance of the organization rewarding someone for mediocre results. Since Donovan has taken over the reins, the Bulls have one playoff win to show for and three consecutive Play-In Tournament exits. Overall, the team has gone a lackluster 195-205.
However, while nobody inside the United Center is void of criticism, extending Donovan felt nothing like extending his bosses. Whether it be his recent Hall of Fame induction or the Knicks’ reported interest in prying him away from Chicago this summer, it’s evident that Donovan remains a respected figure across league circles. He continues to be praised for his relationship-building and on-court flexibility. We watched him completely overhaul the Bulls’ offense one season ago, catering the style of play to his young roster’s strengths with an uptempo attack.
Does any of this mean he is the perfect coach? No, but Donovan is far down the list of reasons why the Bulls have struggled in recent years. And it sure feels like he is reminding us of that as training camp gets underway at the Advocate Center.
Billy Donovan of the Chicago Bulls – © Sam Sharpe-Imagn ImagesAs the team continues to build on the progress they made offensively last season, the defensive side of the ball has become a key talking point. Both Karnisovas and Donovan stressed this during their media availability earlier this week, and Donovan has reiterated it during post-practice interviews. More specifically, the head coach shared the message he is trying to instill in his young group about buying into this side of the ball:
“You can’t pick and choose things you want to do and not want to do and say you want to win,” Donovan said (h/t CHGO YouTube). It’s not a buffet. Rules are the rules. Winning takes what it takes, and you got to be willing to do it. We have taken more charges in that last two days of practice than we have the last 82 games.”
Actions speak louder than words … but those words are pretty darn awesome, right?
What a simple yet perfect way to emphasize the importance of ramping up physicality and buying into the defensive end. There is nothing sexy about playing defense, but there is nothing sexy about doing your taxes or getting your bloodwork done. You do those things because you want to avoid trouble down the road. Simple as that.
For any team to be the best version of themselves, they have to commit to playing both ends. The Bulls gave up the single-most points in the paint last season, took the fewest charges in the NBA, and forced opponents into the third-fewest turnovers per game. Improving in those areas is a must for this Bulls team, and Donovan is establishing that from the jump. Now, whether or not his words resonate is something we’ll learn later this month.
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