The Chicago Bulls are not winning a lot of games. But they are not tanking either. And coach Billy Donovan says he has not been given any reason to believe that will change.
The Bulls’ loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday dropped them to 27-39, leaving them with the league’s ninth-worst record and just a half game away from Milwaukee Bucks in the lottery standings.
Even so, Donovan said the message from the front office has been simple. Keep trying to win.
“I haven’t gotten anything different from them other than continue to put our best foot forward,” Donovan said, via Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times.
Donovan added that things could change later if the Bulls are mathematically eliminated and players are dealing with injuries. But that conversation has not happened yet.
“If we get to a place where we are mathematically out of anything as it relates to postseason and there are guys dealing with ailments, could they say let’s get these guys right first. I don’t know,” Donovan said. “Everything I’ve gotten up to this point is to go out there and compete.”
Evaluating the roster has also been difficult since the trade deadline reshaped the team.
Chicago would like to get a longer look at Anfernee Simons and Jaden Ivey before they hit free agency this summer. But Simons is sidelined with a fractured wrist and Ivey has been battling soreness in his left knee.
The Bulls recently announced that Ivey will practice with their G League affiliate, which could signal a return is approaching.
Meanwhile, Donovan said players such as Collin Sexton and rookie Rob Dillingham continue to give the team plenty to evaluate.
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