1. Billy Donovan
Billy Donovan is a good coach. He has made playoff runs with teams lacking firepower to truly contend and has come up short with extremely talented rosters. That’s a part of the business.
Getting fired for coming up short is a part of the business too. Donovan is aware of that much.
While his job shouldn’t be in question after one year with a newly renovated roster, his inability to prepare the team to compete with elite teams is cause for concern. The Bulls went 1-14 against the top four teams in the Eastern Conference.
The @suntimes_sports cover, featuring #BullsNation coach Billy Donovan, who holds himself accountable for the team’s performance, by @JCowleyHoops - https://t.co/4p5wxgVykv pic.twitter.com/Uy1KBnl9AM
— Sun-Times Sports (@suntimes_sports) April 13, 2022
They never respond to teams that go one runs and lack leadership on the floor. Considering only one of their stars has been past the first round, Donovan’s voice through high intensity games is even more important. As it stands, it appears that he hasn’t been that vocal leader for the team.
The front office put this roster together expecting to be competitive with contenders, and that hasn’t been the case. While they have had injury woes and poor role player production from their young players, it is up to the coach to figure it out. Donovan hasn’t done that this season.
Their first round matchup against the Bucks will be the time for Donovan to show if he is able to put the team in the position to win or continue the trend of getting run off the court by good teams.
If that latter is the trend of the series, Donovan’s job may be in jeopardy.