"I see them fighting trying to get better in those things" - Disjointed season providing Chicago Bulls youngsters with learning opportunities

Trying to fuse two timelines in one starting lineup is a challenging task. If you need proof, just look at the defending NBA champions Golden State Warriors and their struggles this season. The Chicago Bulls also know a thing or two about the difficulties of integrating youth with veteran talent. Yet they are doing their best to take advantage of the disjointed season, providing their youngsters with learning opportunities they may not otherwise have had.

"I see them fighting trying to get better in those things," said Bulls coach Billy Donovan. He was referring to his two youngsters in the starting five, Patrick Williams and Ayo Dosunmu.

Getting better despite the unwanted results

The Bulls' rollercoaster of a season hit another low point last weekend. After winning three straight to get to the brink of returning to .500 this season, the Bulls have lost three straight to fall to 26-30, good for 11th place in the Eastern Conference standings. It wasn't, though, for lack of trying from the young guns.

Williams had 13 points, six rebounds, three assists, and four steals in the Bulls' 97-89 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers last Saturday. Dosunmu, on the other hand, had just six points but dished out eight assists.

Putting in the work

Donovan said he sees the work the two are putting in this season, and he's encouraged by the results so far.

"Being around these guys when you see the work they do, the way they try to figure things out, the way they try to get better. I see them fighting trying to get better in those things. We're not getting the results we want, but I think they are trying to," said Donovan.

The Paw! ✈️

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— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) February 12, 2023

After a sluggish start to the season, Williams has picked up the pace and is averaging 10.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists. Dosunmu, meanwhile, is averaging 9.6 points, 3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per outing, along with having to orchestrate an offense dominated by three veterans.

"It's a great learning experience for Patrick (Williams) being in the role he is, Ayo (Dosunmu) playing the point guard position and learning and growing and to see DeMar and Zach and Vooch (Nikola Vučević) to have a level of patience with those guys to try to know we need those younger guys, seeing guys like DJ (Derrick Jones Jr.) and (Andre) Drummond in and out of the rotation and they come back; I see things to me that signify character," added Donovan.