Head coach Billy Donovan believes Josh Giddey is starting to shed his reputation as a defensive liability. Speaking before Chicago’s 121-114 victory over the Nuggets on Monday, Donovan said the 22-year-old guard has shown “noticeable growth” at that end of the floor since last season and is beginning to handle individual matchups with more physicality.
Giddey backed up his coach’s assessment by posting 21 points, 14 rebounds and six assists against Denver, helping the Bulls snap a five-game losing streak.
White still limited, may be cleared after Thanksgiving
Coby White remains on both a minutes cap and a back-to-back restriction as he returns from a calf strain. He logged 30 minutes—six more than planned—in Sunday’s double-overtime loss to Utah and was held out of Monday’s contest. Donovan said the medical staff could lift those limits after the Thanksgiving break. The guard is expected to appear in only one game of this weekend’s Miami-Washington back-to-back.
White acknowledged his conditioning is still a work in progress, noting that his legs felt heavy late against the Jazz and several close-range shots came up short.
Collins targets practice return next week
Chicago hopes to have Zach Collins on the practice floor during a three-day break next week. The forward underwent wrist surgery last month and has been in a splint, costing him strength and flexibility. Donovan cautioned that Collins must regain mobility in the weight room before full contact is possible but called himself “optimistic” about the timetable.
Carter makes most of extra minutes
With White and Tre Jones sidelined, Jevon Carter contributed 15 points in 18 minutes versus Denver. Donovan praised the veteran’s relentless work ethic, a compliment Carter said “means a lot coming from a Hall of Fame coach.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
