Billy Donovan made a huge life decision to leave Florida for Oklahoma City five years ago, forming strong bonds and friendships throughout the community as he navigated his new NBA world.
When Donovan and the franchise parted amicably this offseason, the Bulls swooped in to hire him.
The Bulls concluded their preseason schedule Friday night in Oklahoma City, where the team has stayed since Tuesday night in advance of Wednesday's first matchup with the Thunder. But with the NBA's rigid safety protocols because of COVID-19, Donovan didn't see much of his former home.
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"I could be in Alaska right now for all you know," Donovan cracked during his pregame media availability via Zoom.
Plenty of friends reached out to Donovan. But his routine consisted of a worn path between his hotel room, the hotel exercise room and Chesapeake Energy Arena.
"It’s either been practice or if we’re meeting as a team or watching film, I’m pretty much in the room. I’m trying to keep myself safe. I feel like that’s my responsibility," Donovan said. "So I haven’t really done anything.
"Thank God they allowed us to utilize the exercise room. That kind of keeps me somewhat sane. I’m just a little bit concerned with all that’s going on, especially trying to keep myself and everyone around me safe."
