Bulls players laud Donovan's listening skills
During the first two days of the Bulls' socially-distanced training camp, several players have provided some insight into Billy Donovan's coaching style.
How it plays out on the court remains to be seen. But a common theme has emerged with the new Bulls coach taking time to listen to how the players think they can find success.
"His big thing, the first thing that stood out to me that he wanted to do was understand who we are as a player before he brought in his playing style," forward Chandler Hutchison said Wednesday. "And I think that right off the bat kind of separates himself from some of the coaches in the league. He gets a feel for his players and then he uses his mind, his skill to plug us in to where he thinks we can be successful."
Zach LaVine had a similar take.
"I've been able to talk to him a lot and figure out what our plan is," he said. "Obviously I'm not somebody that's going there and try to tell somebody how to do their job or what I can or can't do on the court. But obviously the input of him asking me, 'Where do you like to be on the court? What plays do you like run? As a player that gives you confidence. I'm excited for that. We want to go out there and compete for him."
Donovan has a variety of coaching experience, from a long run at the University of Florida to leading Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook in Oklahoma City.
Second-year guard Coby White figures he can learn plenty from his new coach.
"He's been super supportive," White said. "He's told me what I need to work on and what I need to take that next step in my game. I'm taking it in and I'm learning. He had some great point guards in OKC that he can talk to me about in Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul. I'm always willing to learn. I just want to get better."