Tears as new coach to replace Bulls Head coach, Billy Donovan

The Chicago Bulls have addressed one of their key offseason concerns by hiring Wes Unseld Jr. as an assistant coach, following the departure of two assistants to other teams.

Head coach Billy Donovan prioritized finding an assistant with head coaching experience, a criterion that Unseld Jr. fulfills. Unseld Jr. was most recently the head coach of the Washington Wizards, where he compiled a 77-130 record.

Artūras Karnišovas, the Bulls’ executive vice president of basketball operations, is well-acquainted with Unseld Jr. from their time together in Denver. Unseld Jr. served as an assistant coach for the Nuggets from 2015 to 2021, significantly improving their defensive performance.

Under his guidance, the Nuggets transitioned from being one of the worst defensive teams to consistently ranking in the top six in defensive efficiency.

While Unseld Jr.’s tenure with the Wizards showed only a slight improvement in defensive efficiency, moving from 25th to 20th, it’s worth noting that he inherited a struggling team.

His track record in Denver suggests that he has the capability to enhance defensive performance, which aligns well with the Bulls’ needs. Last season, the Bulls ranked 21st in defensive efficiency, 19th in opponent field goal percentage, and 20th in opponent 3-point percentage. However, they excelled in defending the paint, leading the league in points allowed in that area.

The addition of Unseld Jr. is a strategic move for the Bulls, providing a boost to their defensive coaching staff. With this hire, the Bulls can now turn their focus to the more challenging task of roster adjustments.

Potential moves include drafting a win-now shooter, exploring trade options for key players like DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine, and considering how to rebuild the team effectively this offseason.