Billy Donovan explains why he's keeping Alex Caruso in the starting five

Donovan made some changes to the Bulls' rotation.

© Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

In the days leading up to the Chicago Bulls game against the Houston Rockets, coach Billy Donovan spoke of adjusting the rotation, especially with Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic returning to the starting five. 

On Wednesday, Donovan elected to keep defensive ace Alex Caruso in with the starters, bumping young forward Patrick Williams to the bench.

Good fit

Donovan explained that Caruso fit well with the starters, giving the team’s playmakers like Coby White, Zach LaVine, and DeMar DeRozan an outlet whenever the defense collapses on their drives to the basket. Starting Caruso also means he gets to match up with the opposing team’s best perimeter player, a role he has excelled in since his days with the Los Angeles Lakers.

“Alex has been really, really good with that group,” Donovan said.

“So we’ll just play him for a short stretch and then bring Patrick right in, and then try to have Alex come back in and try to close the quarter.”

Alex Caruso absolutely destroyed this ATO that the Hornets were trying to run for Terry Rozier in OT.

There's not a player who is better at screen navigation in the league. pic.twitter.com/23SAtKclsH

— Steph Noh (@StephNoh) January 9, 2024

Shortened rotation

Williams’ return to the bench did not go as well, as he finished with only five points on 2-of-6 shooting and three steals. With numerous Bulls suffering injuries last month, Williams took on a starting role and flourished, averaging 13.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game in 31.1 minutes of playing time.

Two other players whose roles changed in the game against Houston were Dalen Terry and Jevon Carter. Terry, the young guard who had played 13 minutes per game in the previous 16 games, logged in only six, while Carter was a healthy DNP (did not play).

Dalen with the smooth finish in transition.@NBCSChicago | @DalenTerry pic.twitter.com/z0WlnC0W5I

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 6, 2024

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