Developmental minutes that Bulls coach Billy Donovan has earned in the world

It was almost five minutes.

To be precise, 4:57 very memorable minutes for Matas Buzelis.

That was all the playing time he was allowed in Friday’s loss to Boston. He made one basket in the first quarter, but had several errors, leaving him minus-7 in the plus/minus category. Really everything coach Billy Donovan needed to see from the rookie that night.

Fast forward to Monday’s game against Brooklyn, and off the bench again, Buzelis was in his normal rotation spot. Very different results. Just under six minutes of work, eight points, but more importantly, an increase of three in the plus/minus, thanks in part to the more physical play on both sides.

This is a development in Donovan’s eyes. Earn minutes and a spot in the rotation rather than handing them out without responsibility.

“I’ve never really believed that you just sit there and take young guys, throw them minutes and think they’re going to get better,” Donovan said. “Matas had some really, really good moments. Boston wasn’t one of them. I think there has to be a responsibility and an accountability that when you’re out there – not just taking shots – that you follow the game plan, tune out, things that you have control over. So when a young man has problems, it’s not that I’ll never play against him again, but in that moment and in that time you try to do the best for the team.”

For this reason, Buzelis no longer had a say in a back-and-forth duel with the defending champions. In Donovan’s eyes, this was a night to watch and learn.

The same goes for second-year forward Julian Phillips and third-year winger Dalen Terry. The minutes are available from night to night, but can also disappear.

“We have to develop Julian, and we have to develop Matas and Dalen,” Donovan said. “They need opportunities, they need to be out there, but they also need to be accountable to their protocols.

“You have to understand that it’s not just about free candy where you’re just stuck for 25 minutes every night no matter what you do. I just don’t know if boys can develop (like that).

“The development part is a big, big deal for me. It’s a whole list. Do they have a routine? Can they prepare to play? Can they follow the game plan? Do you know how to calm down? Do they know how to eat properly? Do they know how to practice properly? Do you know how to go in there and follow the exploration report? Listen, I’m okay with mistakes. Young players will always make mistakes, I understand that. But there also has to be some responsibility for them towards the team.”

White out

Coby White missed his first game of the season on Monday after suffering a left ankle injury early in the loss at Boston, but he played through it.

Donovan didn’t think there would be a long setback for White, but with the ankle still sore and the Bulls having two days off before Thursday’s game in San Antonio, the decision was made to be cautious with the starting guard.

Street back

According to Donovan, Patrick Williams (left foot) began to increase his rehab activities and began running and jumping to test the foot. There was no exact timetable for his return, but the fact that Williams was no longer in pain was a good sign.