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Billy Donovan is proving to be the right coach for the Chicago Bulls

By Thomas J. Brown

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 05: Head coach Billy Donovan (center) of the Chicago Bulls talks to his players during a timeout during the fourth quarter against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on February 05, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 05: Head coach Billy Donovan (center) of the Chicago Bulls talks to his players during a timeout during the fourth quarter against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on February 05, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /
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Chicago Bulls Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
Chicago Bulls Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports /

The Chicago Bulls made the right decision in hiring head coach Billy Donovan this past off-season.

Last season, there were constant rumors of turmoil within the Bulls’ locker room. The gossip columnists were saying that Zach LaVine resented being benched for a bad defensive possession by head coach Jim Boylen. There were rumors that the head coach had lost the team and a new voice was needed in order to right the ship.

Whether those rumors were true is something no one outside of the organization will ever know for certain. However, the front office clearly thought it was time to move in a different direction. Boylen was fired in August; Billy Donovan was brought in as his replacement in September. After three consecutive years of missing the postseason, Bulls fans were hoping Donovan could turn the team’s misfortunes around.

At the halfway point of the 2021 season, fans in the Windy City are more than happy with their new headman. The team is playing well and they have a legitimate shot at making the playoffs. Billy Donovan is making his case for a long-term stay on Chicago’s sidelines. Here’s the supporting evidence.

Billy Donovan is using Patrick Williams wisely for the Chicago Bulls

Legendary college football coach, Lou Holtz once said “Coaching is about helping young people have a chance to succeed.” At 19 years old, Patrick Williams is the youngest player on the Chicago Bulls roster. Although he was a highly rated prospect coming out of high school, he didn’t start a single game in his lone season at Florida State. In order for the fourth pick in the draft to flourish at the professional level, good coaching was going to be a necessity.

So far, Billy Donovan has done a masterful job of capitalizing on the 6’8″ forward’s athleticism and overall upside. Williams has started in every game he’s played in and has been able to gain the trust of his veteran teammates in the process. Averaging 10.2 points per game and shooting 39 percent from 3-point range, the former flower delivery driver is making his case to become a permanent fixture n Chicago’s starting lineup.

As the man at the helm of the University of Florida’s back-to-back NCAA championship victories in 2006 and 2007, Billy Donovan has a history of getting the most out of young talent. Players like Joakim Noah, Al Horford and Corey Brewer have all publicly stated that Donovan played a huge role in helping them become better players. The early success of Patrick Williams is just one indicator that Donovan still knows how to get through to young talent. His effective communication is bound to reach every corner of the locker room and translate to more wins for the team.

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