The Chicago Bulls dropped to 9-14 following a 123-91 blowout loss to the Golden State Warriors on Sunday. It marked the seventh consecutive loss for the six-time NBA champions, who have fallen to 11th place in the Eastern Conference.
The Bulls are running out of options after the magical 5-0 start turned into a nightmare. The defense continues to struggle, and the offense isn't as dynamic as it was at the beginning of the campaign. Fans have urged the team to bring in external help, yet nothing has materialized.
While they decide what to do (or, most likely, what not), the team continues to bleed, and no help is coming anytime soon. Following Sunday's loss, Donovan resorted to a desperate move, focusing on his players' love for the game and for their teammates, as a way to get out of the bad situation.
Billy Donovan offers unique solution to the Bulls' shortcomings
Donovan stated that the players like each other, but until they reach the next level in their relationship, things might stay the same for Chicago.
“I think the group gets along very well,” Donovan said, via The Athletic. “They all like each other. But until they love each other enough to block out, dive on the floor and do that not for themselves but for the guy next to them… this will continue."
“I don’t care (about the injuries),” Donovan later added. “It’s part of the NBA… What can we control? The disconnect is, when they care enough about each other in that locker room, that’s when it’ll get done."
The veteran coach believes that fighting and coming out stronger from this crisis will unlock his players' potential.
“In the adversity we’re going through—the losing, whatever it is—I think your true colors come out in who you are and your competitive character,” Donovan added, per The Chicago-Sun Times. “If that’s the way we would go, that would really, really speak deeply to the individual and collective character of the group. I don’t worry about that."
Billy Donovan's plan is doomed from the start
The Bulls have struggled with injuries this season, but it doesn't seem like they will be back to October's level. They need to strengthen the defense with another stopper besides Isaac Okoro. The offense must return to its old ways, as the Bulls have relied too much on individual plays instead of sharing the ball, with Josh Giddey orchestrating the offense.
The Australian point guard has been, by a landslide, the team's best player this season, but just like Okoro, he can't get it done by himself. Chicago has a compelling young core, one in which they remain reluctant to trade, but it seems as though they will stay quiet and focus on developing their young talent, instead of making moves that put them closer to contention.
Anthony Davis and Giannis Antetokounmpo were mentioned as potential trade candidates for the Bulls, but their reluctance to move on from their young pieces has become a major obstacle.
Fans are desperately calling for a move, but the Bulls don't seem to be in a rush to bring help. If anything, Donovan will rely on the power of friendship to see this team blossom miraculously.