Bulls shooting guard Zach LaVine discussed this week about the news of head coach Billy Donovan signing with the team. LaVine has been doing his homework on Donovan and had a lot of praise for the new management of the Bulls.
Zach LaVine on the hiring of Billy Donovan: “Everybody is really excited… I think it just shows what Arturas and Marc are bringing to the table: uplifting this franchise right now.” pic.twitter.com/TLKulovTP8
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) September 24, 2020
Executive Vice President of Basketball Operation Arturas Karnisovas and General Manager Marc Eversley are changing the culture of this franchise. The two of them are focused on making the players happy and building a playoff contender. LaVine is the Bull’s best player so to hear him have such high praise for the head coaching hire as well as upper management is a great thing.
LaVine went on to discuss his first steps after hearing that Donovan had been hired as the new head coach.
Zach LaVine on finding out the news: “I just wanted to get (Coach Donovan’s) number… I reached out, sent him a congratulations… Reached out to some of my fellow NBA brothers that played for him, and start the process of getting to know my coach better.” pic.twitter.com/ysuvmYc14E
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) September 24, 2020
With all the changes in our world due to COVID, LaVine couldn’t simply pop over and meet the coach and discuss things face to face. Instead, he reached out to his new head coach over the phone. He then took it another step forward and reached out to NBA players who had experience working with Donovan. It sounds like LaVine liked what he heard about Donovan.
Zach: "I’ve heard Billy’s very personable. Someone who will coach you the right way – doesn’t beat around the bush, gives you a straight answer. I’ve heard Joakim say… he’s been more than a coach to him, and that carries weight… His track record speaks for himself."
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) September 24, 2020
Former Bulls center Joakim Noah was coached by Donovan in college at the University of Florida. While playing for Donovan, Noah won two NCAA championships. Joakim’s comments show the type of person Donovan is beyond a basketball coach. Donovan appears to be the type of coach that LaVine is looking for. I can imagine the rest of the team feels the same way.
Zach’s Impression On Donovan’s Playstyle
LaVine then touched on how Donovan utilizes players’ strengths/tools and doesn’t take them away.
Zach on midrange: “That’s why they (OKC) were so hard to guard this year. Sometimes when you knew teams didn’t shoot midrangers they were easier to guard… I think it’s going to be better for guys, especially me, when you have that part of your game you have all your tools."
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) September 24, 2020
LaVine clearly paid some attention to the Oklahoma City Thunder this year. Donovan knew he had to play to the team’s strengths and he kept the midrange game as part of that plan. In today’s NBA it’s a lot of three-pointers and getting the ball inside. Which works, but it also makes the team’s playstyle two-dimensional. From what Donovan has said he plans to utilize the strengths each player has. This allows for each player to have all of their tools while playing the game.
As the leader of the team, LaVine sets the tone. Whatever energy he brings, the team will follow. Karnisovas and Eversley bringing in a player first head coach should make a world of difference for this team. It’s clear that just the signing of Billy Donovan has boosted the team’s morale.
