The Chicago Bulls are at a critical juncture.
The emerging talents of Josh Giddey, Coby White, and Matas Buzelis have restored the team’s competitive fire.
But if they are going to realize their full potential, they will need a proven coach to elevate the entire roster.
Michael Malone, who the Denver Nuggets recently fired, would be the ideal candidate to replace Billy Donovan. His ability to identify talent, adapt strategies, and clearly define roles will further help develop the rest of the roster.
More importantly, he has shared history with Arturas Karnisovas and assistant coach Wes Unseld Jr.
Forming Roots from Denver Days
Malone’s relationship with Karnisovas was forged in Denver, where Karnisovas was the presiding general manager. Karnisovas hired Malone during a rebuild, and he benefited from a shared vision of player development and culture building. Tim Connelly, who was the President of Basketball Operations in Denver, credited Karnisovas for the vision he implemented.
In fact, Karnisovas was largely responsible for drafting Nikola Jokic. Jokic pointedly stated, “Arturas was the one who was wanting it more for me to come here.”
Karnisovas entrusted Malone to nurture Jokic’s raw talent, which created a relationship indicating mutual respect. Malone even went out of his way to describe Karnisovas as a “great friend” who meant a lot to him and his family.
Their rapport resulted in Denver going from 33 wins in 2015-16 to 54 wins by 2018-19, reflecting their aligned philosophies.
Coaching Synergy
Malone also has experience working with one of the key coaches presently on staff. Wes Unseld Jr. was an assistant coach under Malone from 2015-2021, eventually becoming associate head coach. He notably led the team’s defensive strategies— a responsibility he already has in Chicago.
Unseld has experience patiently instilling Malone’s vision on a very young roster in Denver. He would seamlessly convey those thoughts and expectations to the Bulls’ young core.
Pivoting with Purpose: Jokic over Mudiay
Malone’s adaptability manifested itself early in Denver. He pivoted from a guard-centric offense built around Emmanuel Mudiay to one centered around Jokic.
Mudiay, a former 2015 lottery pick, was the focal point, with Malone designing plays to leverage his playmaking skills. But when Jokic, a second-round pick scouted by Karnisovas, showcased his skillset, Malone retooled the system.
By 2018, Jokic was averaging 18.5 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 6.1 assists as the offensive hub of a playoff-bound team. Malone’s flexibility, supported by Karnisovas’ talent identification, helped turn Denver into a contender.
Chicago’s young talent, centered around the likes of Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis, could thrive even more under Malone’s willingness to tailor his offense to emerging stars.
Developing Talent
Malone’s work with Michael Porter Jr. further showcases his developmental skills as a coach. Porter was hyped as a Kevin Durant-level prospect upon entering the NBA.
The multifaceted wing had injury concerns and needed help refining his game. Malone simplified his role to complement Jokic, focusing on spot-up shooting and cuts.
By 2023, Porter averaged 17.4 points on 41.4% shooting from distance, excelling without overcomplicating his contributions.
Malone was also instrumental in defining Aaron Gordon‘s productive role. Gordon was moved from being a primary scoring option in Orlando to a versatile facilitator in Denver.
Gordon has thrived playing alongside Jokic in the dunker’s spot. Malone emphasized using Gordon in cutting actions, playmaking, and to Gordon’s own credit, as a spot-up 3-point shooter this year.
Buzelis has much more raw talent and athleticism than Porter. Imagine a head coach with Malone’s offensive acumen building out Buzelis’ skillset in a structured setting.
Patrick Williams would also benefit from Malone’s tutelage. There are rarely plays drawn up for Williams to be successful consistently and have purpose.
Malone could craft a similar role to Gordon’s, using Williams’ athleticism for cuts and lobs, thus providing clarity to help Pat become a reliable weapon.
Williams, who faced injury issues similar to Porter early in his career, would benefit from the patient but goal-oriented, incremental approach that helped Porter overcome his mental and physical barriers.
Malone’s ability to streamline high-ceiling players’ games while preserving their impact on winning would benefit Chicago’s young wings.
Donovan’s Stumbles and Slowing Growth
Billy Donovan’s tenure has been marked by prioritizing short-term wins with conservative rotations over the long-term development of his young roster.
He relied too heavily on DeMar DeRozan in his last two years on the team.
Donovan started Ayo Dosunmu over Coby White, delaying White’s emergence as a primary ball handler. And he reluctantly handed the lead point guard duties over to Josh Giddey, preferring to reintegrate Lonzo Ball into the starting lineup.
His lack of trust in the roster’s youth has continuously stifled the development of young players who need rotational minutes for growth.
A Coach for Chicago’s Future
Michael Malone’s history with Arturas Karnisovas, along with his ability to adapt on the fly and develop and reposition talent, makes him the solution to the Bulls’ current stagnation.
The Bulls, with their current mix of young upside and veteran skillsets, need Malone’s vision to unlock their potential and build a contender.
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