One other domino has fallen within the Chicago Bulls rebuild, with the departure of revered coach Billy Donovan set to have vital ramifications on Australian star Josh Giddey.
Earlier this week, Donovan stepped down as coach of the Bulls after the workforce missed the NBA playoffs for the fifth time in six seasons. The 2025/26 season was Donovan’s worst at Chicago, with the workforce going 31-51, whereas the Bulls haven’t gained a playoff sequence since 2015.
The Bulls shredded their roster in February – buying and selling Coby White and Nikola Vučević on the deadline – earlier than sacking their president of basketball operations and normal supervisor, setting the scene for a rebuild that could possibly be formed round Giddey and teammate Matas Buzelis.
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Giddey took on the function of the Bulls’ main ball-handler final season, recording career-highs in factors, rebounds and assists, averaging 17, eight and 9 in every respectively. Nevertheless, in his eyes, the stats are meaningless in the event that they don’t convert to wins.
“The stats are one factor, however these stats must accumulate and translate into wins,” he instructed SEN this week.
“They’re nice and all, however should you’re not successful video games … what’s it actually for? That’s sort of the best way I see it.
“All of us must be dedicated for 82 video games, and as a frontrunner and the purpose guard of the workforce, it’s my job to have the ability to rally guys collectively and get us going for all 82.”
As one of many league’s greatest passers, Giddey shall be hoping the Bulls recruit a prime offensive possibility that may focus solely on placing the ball within the basket to maximise his expertise, however Chicago’s seek for a brand new head coach, government vice chairman of basketball operations and normal supervisor could possibly be much more essential to the workforce’s success.
Requested by 9 Information what kind of coach the Bulls needs to be in search of, Giddey needed somebody who might “lead and encourage guys”.
“I feel Billy had all these traits, and he was an unbelievable chief of males.
“That’ll be above my head, whoever they convey in. We’re excited to play for him, and I’m positive he’ll do an ideal job with the blokes.”
Hiring a younger developmental coach could possibly be the go for Chicago, with Taylor Jenkins among the many checklist of candidates. The previous Memphis Grizzlies coach efficiently mentored a younger core of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. throughout his earlier task, proving he has the capability to develop an inexperienced squad.
Jenkins’ fast-paced offence might additionally play into Giddey’s strengths.
Elsewhere, up-and-coming assistant coaches Micah Nori, Chris Quinn, and Sean Sweeney have been touted as potential contenders for the Chicago gig, whereas James Borrego, Jahmal Mosley, Wes Unseld Jr., Sam Cassell, and Dan Hurley have additionally been talked about as candidates.
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However whoever takes cost of the Bulls, together with the administration, might want to determine whether or not Giddey stays part of the workforce’s long-term plans. This regardless of signing a four-year $100m extension ($140 million AUD) final yr.
Sports activities Illustrated’s Elias Schuster urged is was “unclear” if Chicago’s new entrance workplace would think about the Australian a key constructing block shifting ahead.
“(Giddey) shall be a part of the plans for 2026/27 … however how large an element? And can he proceed to be for the foreseeable future?” Schuster wrote.
“After all, Giddey might shortly struggle his method onto the brand new entrance workplace’s good aspect. There is no such thing as a denying he’s an elite passer and has improved considerably as a three-point risk. On the similar time, legitimate considerations stay about his skill to be a persistently environment friendly downhill scorer and self-creator off the bounce.
“Giddey is both a core piece or merely a bit.”
Schuster additionally claimed Giddey could possibly be a “key commerce chip in a superstar-level commerce” when his Chicago contract expires.
Having been talked about alongside Chicago legend Michael Jordan for his statistical feats, just lately changing into the primary Bulls participant since 1989 to report back-to-back triple-doubles, Giddey is keen to be the face of the franchise because it enters a brand new period.
“However there’s quite a bit that comes with it,” Giddey instructed SEN.
“Clearly in an enormous metropolis like Chicago, the followers … there may be a whole lot of exterior noise and strain, however I’ve all the time beloved that and I’ve by no means let it get to me.
“I’ve all the time been very, very assured in who I’m as a participant, and I’ve all the time listened to the voices which can be near me.
“Chicago – they need to get again to successful. It’s acquired to be performed by committee, however as some extent guard and a frontrunner of the workforce, a whole lot of it weighs on my shoulders.
“I like that duty, and I’ve acquired to search out methods to have the ability to get us again into these successful methods. No matter meaning for me to do, I’ve acquired to do it.”