After three years in the play-in, the Chicago Bulls fans hoped the team would either take a step toward a complete rebuild or aim for a better record. Some might have hoped the team would make a big offseason trade, move some of their veterans, or extend Josh Giddey. Yet, it seems like the big offseason move for the Chicago Bulls is to provide stability at the bench. So far, they have traded Lonzo Ball, but they have more work to do.
Chicago Bulls Big Offseason Move is Not What Fans Hoped For
The Chicago Bulls have given their head coach, Billy Donovan, a multi-year extension. It seems like Donovan, who received some interest from the New York Knicks, managed to use it as leverage to get a long-term deal with Chicago. Next season will be his sixth with the Bulls. Before the extension, he had only one more year left on his deal.
Did the Bulls Make the Right Move?
Through five seasons in Chicago, Donovan has had only one winning season: 2021-22, when the team went 46-36. That was the year they looked like they had everything figured out. Sadly, an injury to Lonzo derailed their chances of competing in the playoffs. In the last two seasons, Donovan has guided the Bulls to an identical record, 39-43.
However, it is worth noting that before coming to Chicago, Donovan had five consecutive winning seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder. If we look at his record, it might be that he needs good players to get the best out of them.
The problem is that the Bulls are going through a soft rebuild, and through five seasons, Donovan and his staff haven’t had much success with developing players. So far, Coby White is the most successful player the Bulls have drafted and developed under coach Donovan.
Fans are Not Happy with the Decision
It seems like Chicago Bulls fans are not happy with their big offseason move. The organization might value stability, but it seems like fans want more than that. Commenting on Shams’ tweet about the extension, here are some of the responses.
- “I guess Bulls wanted to stay in Play-In territory for more years to come.”
- “Man, sounds like the Bulls are just dragging their feet. Like, why’s it taking forever to nail this down? Just make a move already!”
- “Great, can’t wait to pay to watch a team with a high ceiling of a play-in game.”
- “Yes, Billy successfully leads them to a play-in spot every year, salute.”
Can Donovan Lead a Team in the Playoffs?
Through ten years as a head coach, Donovan has been past the first round only once. In his first season, he helped the Oklahoma City Thunder reach the Western Conference Finals. Fans will point to him blowing a 3-1 lead against the Golden State Warriors with a healthy Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook on his team.
After that run and Durant’s departure, he lost in the first round for four consecutive seasons. He has never advanced past the play-in with the Bulls, and the only time they made the playoffs, they lost to the Milwaukee Bucks.
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