The Indiana Pacers can cross a name off their list of potential head coaches
The Indiana Pacers can trim their head coaching search after Billy Donovan reportedly agreed to be the next head coach of the Chicago Bulls. Donovan was linked to the Pacers briefly after he was let go following the 2019-20 season with the Thunder.
Billy Donovan has agreed to a deal to become the next coach of the Chicago Bulls, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 22, 2020
The Bulls jumped out early and secured their guy, leaving the rest of the openings with one less name to consider. While this was not a huge blow to the Pacers coaching search, it is worth noting due to the timing of the deal.
This may be a slight blow if you consider Donovan as a realistic option for Indiana. He made the playoffs in each of his five seasons with the Thunder, but his last four appearances ended with a first-round exit.
Indiana has decided to remain patient and wait for all potential candidates to have a shot at an interview. With Donovan now off the market, expect some more names to come off the board as teams around the league secure their head coach. While the NBA season is not quite finished, 26 teams are looking into the future.
Billy Donovan was a popular name on the market thanks to his ability to compete regardless of the circumstances. He turned the Thunder from a rebuilding team to a playoff threat in the same season. Now, he joins the Central Division with a young Bulls team that is desperate for a playoff trip.
We do not know of an official timeline for the Pacers as the 2020-21 NBA season’s start date is still up in the air. Ideally, the Pacers will narrow down their search over the next few weeks and finalize a deal before November’s NBA Draft.
Indy may want to get a jump on their guy before more coaches take jobs elsewhere.