Billy Donovan has been named the new Chicago Bulls head coach, per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. On September 8th, just two weeks ago, it was announced that Donovan had parted ways with the Oklahoma City Thunder after five years. The Bulls had been in search of a new head coach since parting ways with Jim Boylen this past August.
The Chicago Bulls Hire Billy Donovan as Head Coach
Track Record
Donovan has seen success at the two highest levels of basketball in the country – the NCAA and the NBA.
He started his head coaching career at the University of Florida in 1996. The Gators were successful for a while, but Donovan truly made a name for himself in the 2005-06 season. Florida went on to win the national championship that season, featuring a core of two future NBA stars in Al Horford and Joakim Noah, and a league journeyman in Corey Brewer. That core returned the next season, and the Gators won back-to-back championships, making them the first team to do so since Duke in 1991 and 1992.
Florida continued to see success down the road with Donovan until he left for the Thunder and started his NBA coaching career. The Thunder made the playoffs in all five seasons under Donovan, posting a record of 243-157. They only went past the first round once, however.
Donovan dealt with plenty of adversity with the Thunder. Through his five seasons, he managed to deal with the departures of three of the league’s biggest stars in Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and Paul George.
This past season is a testament to Donovan’s coaching abilities. The Thunder traded Westbrook and George and had a vastly inexperienced squad lead by an aging Chris Paul. Donovan got all the pieces to work, leading the Thunder to the playoffs and a seven-game series versus the Houston Rockets. He finished third in Coach of the Year voting.
Billy Donovan and the Chicago Bulls
The Bulls are still in the process of rebuilding. With that being said, they have a strong core of young talent on board.
Donovan has excelled with his guards in the NBA. Westbrook won an MVP, Paul was an All-NBA selection, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander took a major step forward. Expect the same from Zach LaVine and Coby White. Donovan can unlock LaVine’s All-Star potential. White showed flashes of brilliance last season, and it’s only a matter of time until Donovan makes him a legitimate starter.
Other members of the Bulls’ young core include Lauri Markkanen and Wendell Carter Jr. If they can manage to stay healthy, then Donovan can work his magic. Just remember Luguentz Dort – the undrafted rookie who became a Thunder cult playoff hero under Donovan.
The Bulls also hold the fourth pick in this year’s draft. They can add an exciting prospect such as LaMelo Ball, Deni Avdija, Killian Hayes, and more. That, paired with a healthy Otto Porter Jr, and the Bulls have a decently competitive roster. Under Donovan’s coaching, don’t be surprised if the Bulls can finally sneak into the playoffs next season.
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