Julia Poe talks new-look Chicago Sky, Bulls' executive search
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In this episode of the Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show, host Rahimi Harrison-Grody welcomes Julia Poe, Bulls and Sky beat writer for the Chicago Tribune, to discuss the Chicago Sky's 2026 WNBA Draft strategy and the ongoing executive search for the Chicago Bulls. The Sky’s selection of Gabriela Hawkeyes with the fifth overall pick is analyzed as a surprising but strategic move, emphasizing her leadership, two-way play, and shooting ability as key fits for the team’s culture and playoff ambitions. Poe highlights the competitive training camp battles ahead, especially for the 12th roster spot, and notes that second- and third-round picks are primarily vying for development contracts. The conversation shifts to the Bulls’ front office uncertainty, with a pivotal week ahead centered on Billy Donovan’s future—whether he’ll stay as head coach, move upstairs, or leave entirely. Poe expresses skepticism that top-tier executives would accept a role without control over coaching decisions, while also acknowledging Donovan’s strong player development skills and deep aversion to losing. The episode concludes with the recognition that Donovan’s decision will be the X factor determining the direction of the Bulls’ rebuild.
The Chicago Sky’s selection of Gabriela Hawkeyes was a strategic, culture-driven pick focused on leadership and two-way play, not just star potential.
Training camp will be highly competitive, with new draft picks vying for limited roster spots and development contracts.
Billy Donovan’s upcoming decision on his future is the central pivot point for the Bulls’ executive search and rebuild trajectory.
Top-tier NBA executives are unlikely to accept roles without autonomy over coaching hires, despite Donovan’s respected coaching pedigree.
Donovan’s intense aversion to losing—evident in late-game rotations—may conflict with the long-term rebuild plan of embracing losses for draft positioning.
Chicago Sky's 2026 Draft Surprise: Gabriela Hawkeyes Selected Fifth
“This was maybe one of the first kind of surprises of this draft. Hawkins makes a lot of sense... She fits the bill of kind of this front office's type for a player in terms of length, in terms of two-way play or shooting and also something that you're going to hear about a lot—her character. This is a leader. This is a winning player.”
Evaluating the Draft Picks: Hawkeyes, Lattimore, and Martin
Julia Poe breaks down the Sky’s other draft selections—LaTosha Lattimore and Tony Martin—explaining that they are primarily competing for training camp contracts and development spots, not immediate roster roles.
The Sky's New Identity: Culture, Roster Construction, and Winning Focus
“You can look at the balance, you can look at the construction and you can say, OK, they're going to stretch the floor, they're going to play fast. They're going to pull the four out and let Camila Cardoso kind of cook a lot in the low block on her own.”
Billy Donovan's Future and the Bulls' Executive Search
“I just really, really struggle to believe that that top-level executive is just going to let that decision be taken away from them.”
Donovan's Relationship with Losing and the Rebuild Dilemma
“He's grabbing Trey Jones and throwing him back in again because he can't handle the concept of losing. Again, just one of these garbage time games.”
“He's grabbing Trey Jones and throwing him back in again because he can't handle the concept of losing. Again, just one of these garbage time games.”
“This was maybe one of the first kind of surprises of this draft. Hawkins makes a lot of sense... She fits the bill of kind of this front office's type for a player in terms of length, in terms of two-way play or shooting and also something that you're going to hear about a lot—her character. This is a leader. This is a winning player.”
“I just really, really struggle to believe that that top-level executive is just going to let that decision be taken away from them.”
Host
Guest
Julia Poe
person
Chicago Bulls
other
Billy Donovan
person
Chicago Sky
other
Gabriela Hawkeyes
person
WNBA
organization
UCLA
organization
Chicago Tribune
organization
Angel Reese
person
LaTosha Lattimore
person
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