Chicago Bulls Struggle with Future Guards, Coach Donovan to Get a Glimpse into Team Chemistry
The Chicago Bulls have added four guards in the final week leading up to the trade deadline, putting the team's new acquisitions through a 10-week evaluation period. The situation feels like a job interview, where each player must prove themselves to the front office and coaching staff.
Among those evaluated are Anfernee Simons, Collin Sexton, Rob Dillingham, and Jaden Ivey, all of whom have limited time left on their respective contracts. Despite being in the last year of their deals, the Bulls will be forced to make decisions that will impact their future.
Sexton's approach is to focus on the present, rather than looking ahead to free agency. "I tell myself, 'Hey, just be where the feet are at,'" he said. "Don't look too far in advance, and when I'm doing that, I feel like I'm at my best."
Coach Billy Donovan will play a key role in evaluating the new guards, as he spends time with each player between now and mid-April. His focus is on the mentality piece of their game, including competitiveness, teamwork, and discipline.
While front office executives Marc Eversley and Arturas Karnisovas can watch the basketball, it's Donovan who will assess how well the new players fit into the team culture. The coaching staff has had meetings with the front office to discuss playing time, but there is no edict on minutes priority.
For Dillingham, a rookie who played diminishing minutes in Minnesota last season, this evaluation feels like an opportunity for a fresh start. "I'm just trying to show I can play basketball, I belong here and I can help the team win," he said.
Ultimately, the Bulls' decisions will have consequences, as they navigate their rebuild. With each player's future hanging in the balance, it remains to be seen which of them will find a place on the roster for the long haul.
The Chicago Bulls have added four guards in the final week leading up to the trade deadline, putting the team's new acquisitions through a 10-week evaluation period. The situation feels like a job interview, where each player must prove themselves to the front office and coaching staff.
Among those evaluated are Anfernee Simons, Collin Sexton, Rob Dillingham, and Jaden Ivey, all of whom have limited time left on their respective contracts. Despite being in the last year of their deals, the Bulls will be forced to make decisions that will impact their future.
Sexton's approach is to focus on the present, rather than looking ahead to free agency. "I tell myself, 'Hey, just be where the feet are at,'" he said. "Don't look too far in advance, and when I'm doing that, I feel like I'm at my best."
Coach Billy Donovan will play a key role in evaluating the new guards, as he spends time with each player between now and mid-April. His focus is on the mentality piece of their game, including competitiveness, teamwork, and discipline.
While front office executives Marc Eversley and Arturas Karnisovas can watch the basketball, it's Donovan who will assess how well the new players fit into the team culture. The coaching staff has had meetings with the front office to discuss playing time, but there is no edict on minutes priority.
For Dillingham, a rookie who played diminishing minutes in Minnesota last season, this evaluation feels like an opportunity for a fresh start. "I'm just trying to show I can play basketball, I belong here and I can help the team win," he said.
Ultimately, the Bulls' decisions will have consequences, as they navigate their rebuild. With each player's future hanging in the balance, it remains to be seen which of them will find a place on the roster for the long haul.