PHOENIX — A big part of why Billy Donovan is a Chicago Bulls coach is the connection he felt with management and ownership.
Those relationships have only strengthened over time, which is one of the reasons why Donovan signed a multi-year contract extension before the season, adding to his initial four-year contract which is set to expire after the 2023-24 season. One.
Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf long ago handed over his day-to-day duties to his son Michael, but Donovan said he has a strong relationship with Jerry.
In fact, somewhat to my surprise, Donovan said they probably talk every week.
“It’s been great. I really enjoy my relationship. We talk quite a bit. I find him very interesting. I wouldn’t say we talk every day, but every week we talk and communicate. “When I talk to him, I enjoy his sports history because he’s been through a lot in both baseball and basketball,” Donovan said. I think the relationship there was a positive one.”
The relationship between Bulls executive vice president Arturas Karnisovas and Donovan was similar, with Donovan saying he was the first to approach him about the extension.
“Obviously, I was very humbled and very grateful,” Donovan said. And I really enjoy my time working within the organization and I really enjoy the city.
These strong relationships enable candid dialogue with different perspectives.
“I like conversations about how to improve the team. I think they are very honest and very open. We talk all the time. We don’t always exchange ideas or agree on everything.” says Donovan. “But we have a supportive relationship where we have a lot of conversations and I think that’s healthy.
“It’s part of the connection that we’re building and trying to keep improving. I really feel that everyone is on the same page with that, and I appreciate that. It makes coming to work a pleasure.”
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