Bulls HC Shares ‘One Thing’ Dalen Terry Can’t Do This Season

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Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan guides his team as they play

The Chicago Bulls have caused a surprise in a season that is expected to be tame compared to last year. Choosing Dalen Terry with the 18th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft has surprised many people.

Terry was the one who got up late in the preparation process because he had to practice separately. Bulls head coach Billy Donovan notes that the 6-foot-7 athlete is the loudest in the gym after his Bulls session.

That energy is evident in the availability of Zoom media after his manuscript.

It appeared again during his live press conference on June 27 alongside Donovan and the Bulls’ executive vice president of basketball, Arturas Karnisovas. The two once again credited his energy with Donovan citing it when posing the challenge to the youngster.

Keep doing what you’re doing

Donovan was asked how Terry fits into what the Bulls can do on the field. The head coach cited last year’s lone draft pick, runner-up Ayo Dosunmu, as an example. Dosunmu started 40 of the top team’s 77 appearances on the way to winning the all-round Rookie title for the second team.

“It’s like the same situation with Ayo last year…with a competitive mentality. And I think one thing really stands out about the people you talk to [was] just his energy, his enthusiasm. I think his eagerness to learn to get better and better. And then, obviously, his physical talent. His size, his length. But I think if you tell anyone about Dalen what speaks for and is clear is his passion and competitiveness to want to win and make an impact on the team. “

Pressed on how rookies can find their way to the floor, Donovan once again cited Dosunmu, who was fifth in starts and seventh in minutes per game on the team.

Donovan then shared something he told Terry was not possible this season.

“One thing I told him was, playing 82 games, a season so long, what he can’t lose is his enthusiasm and energy as well as his passion, his love for the game. The hardest thing a lot of times, over 82 games, is a game you don’t play, a game you play. You play poorly… can you come back every day and be the same guy every day? That’s how the boys get better.”

He then gave another vote of confidence for Terry’s ability to take up that challenge.

“I feel very, very confident that that will be his mentality this season.”

Terry’s reproduction of Dosunmu’s impact could be a double-edged sword for the Bulls if it comes from similar circumstances.

Continuity

The Bulls stuck to their sub and taking Terry was a surprise. But only slightly after rumors of a potential night sale. Standing could also hint at a tame free agent period after it officially kicks off on July 1st.

As Karnisovas noted how little time the team has had since the end of the season. The Bulls starters had played 63 minutes together in five games before the injury hit.

They remained in the top seed of the East until shortly after the All-Star break.

Karnisovas has said that he hopes the return to health will bring the team we saw in the early stages of the season rather than later. But, as last year showed, injuries create unforeseen situations that take Dosunmu a lot of time.

It remains to be seen what other additions Karnisovas and the Bulls will make this season.

But, if people are right about Terry’s energy, it could be very difficult for Donovan to keep him off the floor. Bulls just need it not so necessary.