When the big fish suddenly appears, the smart thing to do is go after it. A lot of people were shocked when the Oklahoma City Thunder decided to part ways with Billy Donovan. Here’s a man who led the team to the playoffs every year he was in charge and made things happen despite a constantly changing roster. All while helping to develop younger talent. Clearly the Chicago Bulls took notice.
Arturas Karnisovas said that was the kind of coach he wanted and the Bulls VP of Basketball Operations wasn’t going to waste this opportunity. Adrian Wojnarowski dropped the big news that the two sides have come to an agreement on a deal. Donovan will be the next head coach in Chicago and easily the most proven they’ve had in years.
Billy Donovan has agreed to a deal to become the next coach of the Chicago Bulls, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 22, 2020
Arturas Karnisovas and Billy Donovan have released their statements. pic.twitter.com/k0ZamNySer
— Daniel Greenberg (@ChiSportUpdates) September 22, 2020
Chicago Bulls have a proven winner in Donovan
The thing to remember here is Donovan was a success story long before he ever got to the NBA. He was a superb coach in the college ranks as well, leading the Florida Gators to two-straight NCAA championships in 2006 and 2007. Then his first year in the pros, he guides the Thunder to the Western Conference Finals where they had the Golden State Warriors down 3-1 in the series before painfully letting it slip away.
He never made it that far again but still managed to keep OKC competitive despite losing Kevin Durant and then eventually Russell Westbrook. That is the mark of what good coaches do. They adjust to the players they have and keep on finding ways to win. It will be fascinating to see what he does with this Bulls roster.
There is lots of young talent with Zach Lavine, Coby White, and Lauri Markkanen leading the way. Can Donovan prove to everybody that Boylen was the real problem? Fans certainly can’t wait to see him get started.
