The Chicago Bulls are dealing with multiple injuries in their starting five. They are currently first in the Eastern Conference and hope to keep it that way, despite the absences of Lonzo Ball, Zach Lavine, and Javonte Green. Ball and Green are expected to be out until at least January 17, while Lavine isn't expected to return until January 21.
Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic spoke to Bulls' head coach Billy Donovan about the absences of these key players, and what it means for the healthy players. The Bulls senior writer specifically asked Donovan about point guard Coby White and center Nikola Vucevic and their role guarding pick-and-rolls.
Donovan discussed the importance of communication in these situations and admitted that it isn't the Bulls' strong suit. “One of the areas that we've got to get better at as a team is we're not a good enough communication team,” the head coach said.
As for the pick-and-roll specifically, Donovan said “if you can do a good job at the point of the screen you have a chance at success. If you don't do a good job and the point of the screen then you're going to have to rely on support behind you.” He also said that communication is a key component to transitioning from offense to defense and finding the right coverage.
Mayberry tweeted Donovan's full response, which can be read here.
I asked Billy Donovan what Coby White and Nikola Vučević must do defensively guarding pick-and-rolls during this short-handed stretch. Here is his very detailed answer: pic.twitter.com/nD4joaKfcT
— Darnell Mayberry (@DarnellMayberry) January 16, 2022
Follow Us
Subscribe