<\/p>\n
Another domino has fallen in the Chicago Bulls rebuild, with the departure of respected coach Billy Donovan set to have significant ramifications on Australian star Josh Giddey.<\/p>\n
Earlier this week, Donovan stepped down as coach of the Bulls<\/a> after the team missed the NBA playoffs for the fifth time in six seasons. The 2025\/26 season was Donovan\u2019s worst at Chicago, with the team going 31-51, while the Bulls have not won a playoff series since 2015.<\/p>\n The Bulls shredded their roster in February \u2013 trading Coby White and Nikola Vu\u010devi\u0107 at the deadline \u2013 before sacking their president of basketball operations and general manager, setting the scene for a rebuild that could be shaped around Giddey and teammate Matas Buzelis.<\/p>\n Watch NBA with ESPN on Kayo Sports | Stream an average 9 LIVE Regular Season games per week plus the best of the NBA Playoffs.| New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1 ><\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n Giddey took on the role of the Bulls\u2019 primary ball-handler last season, recording career-highs in points, rebounds and assists, averaging 17, eight and nine in each respectively. However, in his eyes, the stats are meaningless if they don\u2019t convert to wins.<\/p>\n \u201cThe stats are one thing, but those stats need to accumulate and translate into wins,\u201d he told SEN this week.<\/p>\n \u201cThey are great and all, but if you\u2019re not winning games \u2026 what is it really for? That\u2019s kind of the way I see it.<\/p>\n \u201cWe all have to be committed for 82 games, and as a leader and the point guard of the team, it\u2019s my job to be able to rally guys together and get us going for all 82.\u201d<\/p>\n As one of the league\u2019s best passers, Giddey will be hoping the Bulls recruit a top offensive option that can focus solely on putting the ball in the basket to maximise his talent, but Chicago\u2019s search for a new head coach, executive vice president of basketball operations and general manager could be even more crucial to the team\u2019s success.<\/p>\n Asked by 9 News<\/i> what type of coach the Bulls should be looking for, Giddey wanted someone who could \u201clead and inspire guys\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cI think Billy had all those traits, and he was an unbelievable leader of men.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019ll be above my head, whoever they bring in. We\u2019re excited to play for him, and I\u2019m sure he\u2019ll do a great job with the guys.\u201d<\/p>\n Hiring a young developmental coach could be the go for Chicago, with Taylor Jenkins among the list of candidates. The former Memphis Grizzlies coach successfully mentored a young core of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. during his previous assignment, proving he has the capacity to develop an inexperienced squad.<\/p>\n Jenkins\u2019 fast-paced offence could also play into Giddey\u2019s strengths.<\/p>\n Elsewhere, up-and-coming assistant coaches Micah Nori, Chris Quinn, and Sean Sweeney have been touted as potential contenders for the Chicago gig, while James Borrego, Jahmal Mosley, Wes Unseld Jr., Sam Cassell, and Dan Hurley have also been mentioned as candidates.<\/p>\n Pistons level series with Magic | 01:50<\/p>\n But whoever takes charge of the Bulls, along with the management, will need to decide whether Giddey remains a part of the team\u2019s long-term plans. This despite signing a four-year $100m extension ($140 million AUD) last year.<\/p>\n