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Billy Donovan maintains optimism about Zach LaVine's integration into the Bulls' new system
The Chicago Bulls' continued enjoyment of their best victory streak this season has raised concerns about their unpredictable partnership with Zach LaVine.
With him in the lineup, the Bulls struggled in their 2023-24 season debut, falling as low as 5-14. As a result of his problems, the star guard has found himself in the center of the league's trading circle.
But as Zach got sidelined with a right foot ailment, Chicago defied expectations even without the All-Star. Implementing a much collaborative scheme, the Bulls proceeded to tally an 8-4 card in their last 12 games while missing Lavine's scoring firepower.
No communication yet about soon reintegration
It remains yet to be seen what will unfold between the future of both LaVine and the Bulls but coach Billy Donovan reiterated that the organization remains focused on monitoring the 28-year-old’s ongoing recovery.
As such, he admitted that he hasn't talked with LaVine yet about how he'll be inserted in the rotation as the Bulls continue to capitalize on their winning ways with a much different approach.
"I have not talked to him about that," Donovan said. "I think the main focus and priority has been just his health and him getting back."
No concern about the fit
As it is, there's no point for the Bulls in putting themselves ahead of the plan. While LaVine is perfectly on point with his healing progress, which he is assumed to return at some time in January, the Bulls will remain committed to their impressive skid and continue to fight their way back into contention.
Amid the concern about Zach's conditioning after a lengthy absence, Donovan stands optimistic that the star can still instantly fit into his greater ball movement and fast-paced system.
"I think when you miss the number of games that he’s going to miss, it always kind of takes you a little time to get your footing back under you."
"But how we’ve tried to play identity-wise has not necessarily changed since he’s been out. It’s not like he went out and we went in and totally revamped the playbook. We’ve just game after game emphasized the things that we’ve felt are important."
