ESPN’s First Take this morning hosted a familiar face for Chicago fans, as former Chicago Bull DeMar DeRozan sat alongside Stephen A. Smith and Chris Russo to discuss a few topics within the NBA world, moments throughout his career, and his recent memoir ‘Above The Noise,’ detailing the depression he battled during stints of his professional career. As one of the most successful three-year spans of his illustrious career, it’s no surprise that the Chicago Bulls were mentioned during his time on the show. Earning two All-Star nods with the club and an All-NBA Second Team selection, DeRozan was the best player on the Bulls in the three years he was there. When asked about his former head coach, Billy Donovan, he had a strong opinion that may combat the thoughts of many.
“I Love Billy D”
DeRozan did not mince his words when speaking about his former coach, repeatedly saying that he loved Donovan, respected him, and enjoyed his time in Chicago, primarily due to Donovan’s coaching approach. It’s hard to argue with the six-time NBA All-Star, considering the group of elite coaches he has seen during his playing days. That list boasts five-time NBA Champion and the NBA’s all-time leader in wins, Greg Popovich and former NBA Coach of the Year Dwane Casey. If he’s calling Donovan a quote “underrated” head coach, that’s a valid review.
The former Chicago forward reiterates that Donovan allowed him the freedom to operate as a leader and a player, which seems like a common respect that multi-time All-Stars wish was consistently afforded them. One of the best qualities of an NBA head coach is allowing players to flourish in their regard while utilizing it to help the team’s effort and leaving with back-to-back All-Star appearances and a top-five MVP candidate season while in the Windy City, DeRozan’s got plenty of evidence to support his case.
Donovan On The Hot Seat
As much as a vouch from one of the best players in the league helps Chicago’s head coach’s validity in the NBA, it doesn’t change the fact that his time is ticking to make postseason appearances with the Bulls. After a playoff appearance in his first season with the team, he has failed to make it back since. While many who have followed the team know that he is far down the totem pole of things to blame for their lack of success, the head coach is often a scapegoat when shifting eras. In his first season with the team, the front office decided to ship away draft capital and young talent in exchange for the win-now potential of back-to-back All-Star nominee Nikola Vucevic. Trading for All-Star caliber talent comes with postseason expectations, and following constant injuries to point guard Lonzo Ball, shooting guard Zach LaVine, and the failure of Patrick Williams or Vucevic to perform to their anticipated levels, Chicago has yet to make it back.
Look for the next significant move within the franchise to either be the departure of their longest-tenured player, Zach LaVine, or the dismissal of Billy Donovan.
Which would you prefer, or do you want them both gone?
