Malone, Karnisovas Destined to Reunite in Chicago

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.