Another domino has fallen in the Chicago Bulls rebuild, with the departure of respected coach Billy Donovan set to have significant ramifications on Australian star Josh Giddey.
Earlier this week, Donovan stepped down as coach of the Bulls after the team missed the NBA playoffs for the fifth time in six seasons. The 2025/26 season was Donovan’s worst at Chicago, with the team going 31-51, while the Bulls have not won a playoff series since 2015.
The Bulls shredded their roster in February – trading Coby White and Nikola Vučević at the deadline – before sacking their president of basketball operations and general manager, setting the scene for a rebuild that could be shaped around Giddey and teammate Matas Buzelis.
Watch NBA with ESPN on Kayo Sports | Stream an average 9 LIVE Regular Season games per week plus the best of the NBA Playoffs.| New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1 >
Giddey took on the role of the Bulls’ primary ball-handler last season, recording career-highs in points, rebounds and assists, averaging 17, eight and nine in each respectively. However, in his eyes, the stats are meaningless if they don’t convert to wins.
“The stats are one thing, but those stats need to accumulate and translate into wins,” he told SEN this week.
“They are great and all, but if you’re not winning games … what is it really for? That’s kind of the way I see it.
“We all have to be committed for 82 games, and as a leader and the point guard of the team, it’s my job to be able to rally guys together and get us going for all 82.”
As one of the league’s best passers, Giddey will be hoping the Bulls recruit a top offensive option that can focus solely on putting the ball in the basket to maximise his talent, but Chicago’s search for a new head coach, executive vice president of basketball operations and general manager could be even more crucial to the team’s success.
Asked by 9 News what type of coach the Bulls should be looking for, Giddey wanted someone who could “lead and inspire guys”.
“I think Billy had all those traits, and he was an unbelievable leader of men.
“That’ll be above my head, whoever they bring in. We’re excited to play for him, and I’m sure he’ll do a great job with the guys.”
Hiring a young developmental coach could be the go for Chicago, with Taylor Jenkins among the list of candidates. The former Memphis Grizzlies coach successfully mentored a young core of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. during his previous assignment, proving he has the capacity to develop an inexperienced squad.
Jenkins’ fast-paced offence could also play into Giddey’s strengths.
Elsewhere, up-and-coming assistant coaches Micah Nori, Chris Quinn, and Sean Sweeney have been touted as potential contenders for the Chicago gig, while James Borrego, Jahmal Mosley, Wes Unseld Jr., Sam Cassell, and Dan Hurley have also been mentioned as candidates.
Pistons level series with Magic | 01:50
But whoever takes charge of the Bulls, along with the management, will need to decide whether Giddey remains a part of the team’s long-term plans. This despite signing a four-year $100m extension ($140 million AUD) last year.
Sports Illustrated’s Elias Schuster suggested is was “unclear” if Chicago’s new front office would consider the Australian a key building block moving forward.
“(Giddey) will be part of the plans for 2026/27 … but how big a part? And will he continue to be for the foreseeable future?” Schuster wrote.
“Of course, Giddey could quickly fight his way onto the new front office’s good side. There is no denying he is an elite passer and has improved significantly as a three-point threat. At the same time, valid concerns remain about his ability to be a consistently efficient downhill scorer and self-creator off the bounce.
“Giddey is either a core piece or merely a piece.”
Schuster also claimed Giddey could be a “key trade chip in a superstar-level trade” when his Chicago contract expires.
Having been mentioned alongside Chicago legend Michael Jordan for his statistical feats, recently becoming the first Bulls player since 1989 to record back-to-back triple-doubles, Giddey is eager to be the face of the franchise as it enters a new era.
“But there’s a lot that comes with it,” Giddey told SEN.
“Obviously in a big city like Chicago, the fans … there is a lot of external noise and pressure, but I’ve always loved that and I’ve never let it get to me.
“I’ve always been very, very confident in who I am as a player, and I’ve always listened to the voices that are close to me.
“Chicago – they want to get back to winning. It’s got to be done by committee, but as a point guard and a leader of the team, a lot of it weighs on my shoulders.
“I love that responsibility, and I’ve got to find ways to be able to get us back into those winning ways. Whatever that means for me to do, I’ve got to do it.”