DeMar DeRozansix-time NBA All-Star, backed his former head coach Billy Donovan During a recent appearance on ESPN’s First Take, following his off-season trade to the Sacramento KingsHeading into his 16th season, DeRozan spoke highly of Donovan, reflecting on their three seasons together with the Chicago Bulls.
“I love Billy D [Donovan]“He’s a great guy, a great coach,” DeRozan said. “The time I was there, the way he welcomed me, the way he made me fit in and be the leader that I was, he’s a great coach, a great guy. I feel like he hasn’t gotten the credit he fully deserves as a coach. He’s definitely underrated. I wish him nothing but the best. He made it easy for me to be myself coming to Chicago and made it easy for all of us. I have nothing but love and respect for Billy.”
DeMar DeRozan’s stellar seasons under Billy Donovan, despite Bulls’ playoff struggles
DeRozan’s praise comes after a difficult but productive period under Donovan in Chicago, where he played some of the best games of his career. During the 2021-22 season, DeRozan posted a 27.9 points per game, a career highwith 5.1 rebounds and 4.9 assists, while shooting 50.4% and a career-high 35.2% from three-point range. His stellar performance helped the Bulls finish the regular season with a 46-36 record, securing 6th place in the Eastern Conference.
Despite DeRozan’s individual success, the Chicago Bulls failed to live up to team expectations. Injuries to key players, including Lonzo Ball and Zach LaVine, derailed their momentum, leading to a first-round playoff exit to the Milwaukee Bucks in five games during the 2021-22 season. The Bulls were unable to build on that success in subsequent seasons, leading to DeRozan being traded to Sacramento in the offseason.
DeRozan brings leadership, scoring to Kings as they aim for better playoff run
DeRozan now enters a new chapter of his career with the Kings. The veteran forward brings not only his scoring prowess, but also the leadership experience that Donovan helped him develop in Chicago. DeRozan fondly remembers his time under Donovan and feels his former coach doesn’t get the appreciation he deserves in the NBA.
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DeRozan joins a Kings team looking to rebound from a disappointing finish last season. Sacramento made the playoffs in the 2022-23 season, but despite 46 wins last year, the Kings fell by 10 points. The Kings were eliminated in the Play-In tournament by the New Orleans Pelicans. The addition of DeRozan adds a veteran presence to a young team eager to make a deeper playoff run next campaign.
As DeRozan prepares for his first season with the Kings, his respect for Donovan’s coaching abilities remains evident. Sacramento is looking to build on its recent success, and DeRozan’s experience and proven talent will be key in helping the team achieve its goals.
For DeRozan, his time in Chicago may be over, but his admiration for Billy Donovan remains intact.
