Hoops Habit
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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
Chicago Bulls Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

Improved offense and better rebounding

Having spent a significant amount of time in the college ranks, Billy Donovan understands that young players sometimes forsake the gritty parts of the game like rebounding for the more glamorous parts of the game like scoring. He also understands that the concept of passing up a good shot in favor of a great shot is not something young players always prefer, However, his insistence on improved rebounding and better ball movement is finally starting to pay dividends for his young squad.

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In spite of the game’s evolution, basketball’s laws of nature still state that the team with the rebounding advantage has a decided edge in winning the game. Last year the Bulls were dismal on the boards, ranking 29th in the league with 41.9 rebounds per game. However, this season Chicago has taken a considerable leap on the glass, grabbing 44.0 rebounds per game, good for 15th in the league. While ranking in the middle of the league is certainly mediocre, the improvement over last season cannot be ignored.

Collectively NBA teams are scoring the most points per game since the 1980s. In an era where seeing a team score 130 points in regulation has become commonplace, the Bulls only managed to average 106.8 points per game last season. That relatively low point production ranked 27th in the league.

This year, Billy Donovan has preached ball movement and player movement without the ball. The increased spacing, combined with the continued development of Chicago’s young core has led to a much-improved offense. At 115.0 points per game, the Bulls are currently sixth in the league in scoring.

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