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News: Bulls executive Karnišovas endorses Billy Donovan and emphasizes the need for…
Even after losing in the play-in round, it appears that Billy Donovan will remain head coach of the Chicago Bulls.
Executive vice president of basketball operations Artūras Karnišovas defended Donovan after the Bulls’ season-ending 112-91 loss to the Miami Heat, claiming that “the group hasn’t worked” and that the Bulls’ prospects of contending have been harmed.
Chicago has not won a postseason series since 2014–15, and this was their second straight year losing in the play-in round.
Since joining the Bulls in 2020–21, Donovan has amassed a 156–162 career record. In 2023–24, he guided Chicago to a 39–43 record, good enough for the No. 9 seed in the tournament.
Notably, when John Calipari left for Arkansas, his name was mentioned as a possible successor in Kentucky. But before the Bulls’ season was out, Kentucky would choose to sign BYU coach Mark Pope instead.
Thus, it is reasonable to anticipate Donovan’s return to the Bulls in 2024–2025; however, maximizing his potential on the team will be a top priority. Given the uncertain future of Lonzo Ball due to knee issues and the possibility of DeMar DeRozan leaving in free agency this summer, this could be a challenging assignment.
DeRozan has expressed his wish to stay with Chicago, but he has also indicated that winning is his first objective.
