Chicago Bulls Notes: Billy Donovan's Cold Seat, The Problem with Free Agency, More (2024)

The Cleveland Cavaliers join the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns as playoff teams who will have a new head coach next season.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Bulls have made a couple of assistant coaching changes!

The Chicago Bulls’ Assistant Coaching Changes Better Be Just the Beginning …

I’ll continue to stress that I don’t think Billy Donovan is the primary problem for this organization. He’s been given a roster with limited defensive options and poor offensive chemistry. There aren’t many coaches in the NBA who I think would’ve made this recent era of Chicago Bulls basketball look a whole lot better. With that said, I think it still speaks volumes about this organization that these other playoff-caliber teams continue to make drastic changes while the Bulls merely shuffle assistants. Why does everyone feel so comfortable?

Again, I like Donovan, but the fact he isn’t anywhere near the hot seat is remarkable. The Bulls’ head coach might as well be frozen into a block of ice on the Bulls’ sideline. The front office has refused to put any pressure on Donovan at every turn. We’ve also heard zero reports about higher expectations for him internally. He may not be the No. 1 problem with this team, but every person should be held accountable!

Let’s also not forget that Arturas Karnisovas praised his front office during the end-of-season press conference. While he took full responsibility for the organization’s mediocre play – which is an admirable thing to do and something we were waiting for – you also need to be able to get the best out of those who work around you. It’s hard to believe there still isn’t an overwhelming sense of satisfaction throughout this entire franchise. I guess a lot of that has to start at the top, however, and we all know Bulls ownership is as loyal at they come.

Chicago Bulls Notes: Billy Donovan's Cold Seat, The Problem with Free Agency, More (3)

Bleacher Report shared three names they believe should be on the Chicago Bulls’ free agent big board. Both Caleb Martin and Buddy Hield made the cut, and I can understand how each would benefit this team. We all know that Hield’s shooting would be a welcomed sight for a team with so few high-volume options. Meanwhile, Caleb Martin’s reliable 3-and-D style would significantly bolster the Bulls’ wing depth. I like both players in a vacuum, but how much can we say that either would improve this team?

Indeed, that’s the big problem for where this Bulls team is at. They don’t just need one above-average rotation player. If they could land both Hield and Martin, along with a rim-protecting backup center, then we’re getting closer to a truly improved team. But the truth of the matter is that isn’t going to happen. They are limited in what they can spend this offseason, and we all know they will do everything in their power to avoid the luxury tax. Free agency isn’t going to solve this team’s problems. I hope Arturas Karnisovas recognizes that.

The Bulls also have every reason to be thinking about next year’s draft pick. While this year is talked about as one of the most underwhelming drafts of the last decade, next year’s draft is already receiving rave reviews. At the top of everyone’s boards will also be Cooper Flagg, who has legitimate superstar potential. The Bulls’ pick will end up in the hands of the San Antonio Spurs if it ends up outside the top 10. Is another run at a No. 8 seed really worth losing a lottery pick in a deep draft?

Speaking of the draft …

With Sarr and Clingan expected to be off the board, is there any other big man the Bulls should consider at No. 11?
Kel'el Ware is a prospect that has my attention. It's also hard not to like what Yves Missi can do defensively.
Broke down some options – https://t.co/HS059PV5ld pic.twitter.com/RAnJGPXvIE— Bleacher Nation Bulls (@BN_Bulls) May 23, 2024

DeMar DeRozan has three things he’s looking for in free agency this summer, and I’m not sure the Bulls can check the boxes …

DeMar DeRozan Mapped Out His Priorities in Free Agency

No Angel, it reminds you of Michael Jordan!

“When I hold Larry, it reminds me of Kobe Bryant.”
Angel Reese got to hold the Larry O’Brien Trophy for the first time 🙌
(via @nbafinalstrophy) pic.twitter.com/Jo36IOeQQ8— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 22, 2024