Following Billy Donovan's recent enshrinement into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, the Chicago Bulls head coach now stands at a crossroads. The honor cements his legacy as one of basketball’s most respected coaches, but it also sharpens the spotlight on his present reality in Chicago. To preserve his tenure and justify his prestige as a Hall-of-Fame, Donovan must show progress in the upcoming 2025–26 season, enough to convince fans and ownership that this team is moving in a promising direction.
What Needs to Be Done
The Bulls front office did Donovan one favor this offseason by re-signing Josh Giddey to a four-year, $100 million deal. But that also raises a challenge: how to situate Giddey within a backcourt already led by the rising Coby White. White is coming off a breakout year, emerging as a legitimate scoring threat and consistent playmaker. Pairing him with Giddey, who thrives as a facilitator and secondary scorer, could unlock the Bulls’ offense—if Donovan can craft the right chemistry between them. Elevating that duo is the first step in making the Bulls more competitive.
With no major outside signings this offseason, Donovan must also maximize the development of Chicago’s young core. The 2024 lottery pick Matas Buzelis demonstrates a future star potential through size, versatility, and an attacking skill set that could grow into the team’s third scoring option. Meanwhile, rookie Noa Essengue showed uneven flashes in Summer League but has raw upside that could pay off if Donovan manages his growth wisely. Integrating these young players into meaningful roles while leaning on the established veterans will be a balancing act that defines the season.
Defense, however, remains the elephant in the room. Last year, the Bulls finished sixth in points per game (117.8), but opponents averaged 119.4—a bottom-three mark that relegated them to the standings and left them with a net rating of -1.6. To keep his seat from heating further, Donovan must improve the team’s defensive discipline, particularly in transition and interior coverage.
There are positives to build on: the Bulls were strong at containing three-point shooting, holding opponents to 34.4% (the second-best mark in the league). Offensively, they ranked 13th in three-point percentage (36.7%), a number that could rise further if Donovan leans into his preferred up-tempo, perimeter-oriented attack.
Still, offensive consistency is another hurdle. Despite having individual scoring talent in the roster, Chicago finished 20th in offensive rating at 114.1, leaving them underwater in net rating. Unlocking a steady, efficient offense will be critical to turning the Bulls into a true playoff contender.
Goal: Playoff First Round
For Donovan, the target shouldn’t be lofty promises of title contention. Instead, the focus should be on tangible goals. Chicago has been stuck in mediocrity for years, often scraping into the play-in tournament only to flame out in one-and-done scenarios. Avoiding that fate and securing at least the sixth seed should be Donovan’s realistic goal.
A first-round playoff berth would restore confidence in his leadership, energize a fanbase hungry for a change, and set the stage for future growth. Anything short of that, however, will only intensify questions about his future. For a Hall of Fame coach now measured against present expectations, 2025–26 could prove to be a defining season.
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