Chicago Bulls Are Starting to Run Fred Hoiberg’s Offense
After back-to-back victories against the Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Lakers this weekend, the Chicago Bulls are starting to show, in stretches throughout game time action, what it means to play under the offensive system of coach Fred Hoiberg.
Leading up to NBA All-Star Weekend, the Chicago Bulls struggled at times to find their identity. The team entered the final 30 games of the regular season with hopes they could stop themselves from falling out of the playoff picture.
Under the leadership of Tom Thibodeau, the Bulls had solidified themselves as a defensive-minded force, but this is now Hoiberg’s team.
As a first-year coach for a team that made no offseason moves last summer or any major blockbuster moves at the trade deadline, the Bulls are largely the same team as they were last year, only now there’s new leadership.
So, what exactly might a Hoiberg offense look like with the personnel the Bulls possess?
If playing at a more up-tempo pace, getting after fast break points, and hustling after loose balls is the goal, then the first-year coach is starting to see success.
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Why is Hoiberg’s offense starting to click with their All-Star guard Jimmy Butler being sidelined?
The answer to that question may lie in the hands of backup guard Aaron Brooks. The key to the Bulls’ success can be attributed, in part, to the team’s sharing of the ball and spacing of the floor.
On Sunday against the Lakers, Brooks racked up a total of nine assists in the 17 minutes he played – a notable contribution for a player who often looks to score and create shots for himself.
With the trade deadline now in the rear-view mirror, the team made one change that day, moving veteran guard Kirk Hinrich to the Atlanta Hawks. The decision allows Brooks to handle more of the ball handling and distribution responsibilities at the backup point guard position.
Brooks possesses the speed and quickness needed to break defenses down and open up lanes for his teammates. Hinrich was proficient in getting the Bulls into their plays, but Hoiberg is now calling on Brooks to pick up the load.
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While the Bulls struggled offensively against the Cleveland Cavaliers immediately following the All-Star Break this past Thursday, that was not the case over the weekend.
In reviewing the tape, the Bulls seemed to have turned a page. Most notably, Brooks racked up more assists than points – something Hoiberg wanted to see more out of his veteran guard.
Only time will what happens as the regular season continues and how the Chicago Bulls will stack up when it comes to the playoff picture. The squad now holds the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference, after dropping several spots in recent weeks.
Next: Bulls get a much-needed win against Toronto
The Chicago Bulls will next play the Washington Wizards on Wednesday in hopes of extending their win streak to three games — something they haven’t done since the second week of 2016.