New Bulls coach Billy Donovan won’t accept excuses for a subpar performance, like the 30-point loss Friday night in Milwaukee, writes Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times. Donovan was particularly unhappy with his starting backcourt of Coby White and Zach LaVine, who combined for nine turnovers.
“They’re the ones who have to be the driving force behind the identity which we need to play and we did not play to that identity,’’ Donovan said. “It’s five guys on the court doing it together, but also I think a big part of that is the guys who have the ball in their hands as they start to make decisions and get the ball up the floor quickly and get us into things, we’ve got to be able to do that and sustain that for a period of time. I thought collectively we were unable to do that.”
Cowley notes that Donovan has talked since training camp about the important roles White and LaVine will play, but both have been inconsistent during the team’s 2-4 start. White is in his second NBA season and his first as a starter, while LaVine has one year left on his current contract. Cowley suggests that the way both players perform now will determine their future in Chicago.
There’s more from the Central Division:
- Bulls rookie Patrick Williams welcomed the challenge of guarding two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, according to Rob Schaeffer of NBC Sports. Williams said he’s ready to face “the best players, night in night out,” and Donovan thought it would be a good learning experience for the 19-year-old.
- Pistons rookie Isaiah Stewart is drawing comparisons to Dennis Rodman and Ben Wallace for his tenaciousness as a rebounder, according to Keith Langlois of NBA.com. Through his first three NBA games, Stewart is tied for the league lead in offensive rebounding with 4.0 per night. “To me, it’s just wanting it more than the next guy and just not being denied,” he said. “It’s just a part of me. It’s who I am. If you put me out on the floor, it’s what you’re going to get out of me.”
- The Pacers expect second-year center Goga Bitadze to make his season debut soon after being sidelined by a Grade 2 right ankle sprain, tweets J. Michael of The Indianapolis Star. “He’s moving a little bit more every day,” coach Nate Bjorkgren said. “I’m not sure on the time frame when he’ll be back yet. I wouldn’t think too much longer.”
Even more of a reason to trade Griffin and get more minutes for the young guys like Stewart, Bey and Doumbouya
All Pistons 3 First round picks have more potential than Toppin
Compare
Bey is Prince – former Pistons
Stewart is Rodman
Hayes is Gragic
Hayes compare to Dragic
Pistons have more assets than Knicks
I though Toppin was your man crush?
Instead of Turnovers, the Bull’s backcourt will instead focus on Croissants !!
What? Maybe Rudy Gobert likes a croissant but zack lavine? What r u talking about
Dude, you really need to give up the attempt at comedy. It doesn’t work and just seems so sad. There are many different avenues in these forums. You could pretend you are a fringe NBA player like Treveon Graham or become overly obsessive with a certain team like HWW or Chief Two Hands. But try not to become a know it all that likes to fix everyone because I have that locked down.
Don’t watch the Bulks a lot. But I always thought their biggest need was a true PG, pass first. Coby to me is more a scorer a combo guard. Now he can become more of a real PG, I guess. But that is what they need most. Bulls have pieces everywhere else. Imagine a guy like Halliburton running this team. Or even Rozier.
Was always pushing for Stewart as an old school PF. He was a great pick. Pistons had a great draft IMO. Both Bey and Stewart will be starters one day.