Billy Donovan impressed by Dalen Terry's resiliency this season

As the Chicago Bulls inch closer to returning to full strength, it’s likely that young guard Dalen Terry will fade away from the rotation. Zach LaVine has already gotten in two games after missing a month due to a foot injury, while Nikola Vucevic has also returned from a five-game absence due to an adductor issue.

However, don’t expect the Arizona native to sulk and pout because he isn’t getting as much playing time. Bulls head coach Billy Donovan has been impressed by Terry’s resiliency and enthusiasm throughout this season.

Positive response

Terry is only 21 years old and is only in his second year in the NBA. He didn’t see much of the floor during his rookie year, and it’s only because of a severe injury to rugged forward Torrey Craig that he’s even seen time this season.

But despite the long odds, Terry has remained focused and seeks to make an impact whenever given the opportunity. While some young players tend to get too down after a bad game or two, Terry has shown maturity and understanding of his role on the team.

“The thing I like about him is [that] as a young player, maybe getting consistent minutes this year where last year he didn’t, you know, there’s going to be these moments of down where he’s not going to play well,” Donovan said.

“I always try and look at younger players as, ‘How do they come back and respond?’ It’s not even making or missing shots, [but] defensive rotations, assignments, sending a guy left, and he doesn’t do that, or [he] forgets to block out, leaves his feet on a shot fake, and fouls a shooter.”

“Those are the things that he’s got to get more consistent on. [But] when he’s had games where he’s done those things, he’s always come back and responded really well, and I always think that’s a good sign.”