Billy Donovan says the Chicago Bulls are thriving in 'chaos and uncertainty' at the moment

Injuries have placed the Bulls in this chaotic position.

© David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls are in a tough spot. With injuries to key players decimating the roster late in the season, the Bulls are hoping the chaos they create on the floor can lead them back to the NBA Playoffs, a place they last were in 2021.

Interesting lineups

The Bulls' lack of players has forced coach Billy Donovan to employ extreme lineups. Whether it’s the two-big combo of Nikola Vucevic and Andre Drummond or a speedy one that features the likes of Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, Alex Caruso, and DeMar DeRozan all on the same floor. These lineups have created chaotic, scrambling situations the Bulls have found success exploiting.

“I think DeMar thrives on that,” Donovan said of the broken play, which ended with a game-sealing triple from Deebo.

“I think he thrives on chaos. I think he thrives on uncertainty.”

Despite these trying times, with the Bulls’ core guys having to play an inordinate amount of minutes, Donovan said he doesn’t feel any panic from his wards.

“Vooch has been around for a long time. He’s seen a lot. There’s a calmness to him. Coby and Ayo are fighters and competitors. I think both guys have taken a step, and I think they both kind of have ‘this is another challenge for me,’ (mindset). I think they like challenges,” Donovan continued.

COMPTON'S FINEST.@NBCSChicago | @DeMar_DeRozan pic.twitter.com/Z5bGcx9pQA

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) February 26, 2024

Calm amidst the storm

While some teams can buckle under the pressure of all the injuries the Bulls have had to endure, this group has shown resilience and a never-say-die attitude. Despite facing uncertainty and chaos on the court, they have remained calm and focused on finding ways to win games. Donovan said having veterans who have been through the wringer helps out a lot.

“I do think guys like DeMar and Vooch and those veteran guys who can give those younger guys, because listen, there’s times we get a little bit frenetic and chaotic, and I think those guys can kind of like, ‘Hey, calm down,’” Donovan shared.

“Alex is the same way. The things that Alex does translate every game. We need that every game, so he knows what he can get into the game. It’s a mixture. Just about our mentality. I think those guys really have that.”

How did Coby make this??? 🤯@NBCSChicago | @CobyWhite pic.twitter.com/PWxbJtW7by

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) February 26, 2024

Billy Donovan said frustration got the best of the Chicago Bulls in the shocking loss to the Detroit Pistons