Oct 20, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Pau Gasol (16) shoots over defending Cleveland Cavaliers center Anderson Varejao (17) at Value City Arena. Cleveland won the game 107-98. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports
The Chicago Bulls lost the video of Pau Gasol’s last two years in La-La land.
This is the most disconcerting issues the Bulls have, as well as stupid. Pau Gasol’s shot has not been falling throughout the preseason. Leading up to the preseason finale against Minnesota, Gasol is shooting around 41 percent from the field. The looks have been there but as of right now, the iron has been unkind.
Sometimes it seems that I am talking trash about this offense and how Thibodeau runs it. There’s a reason why. Because Thibodeau makes it so easy and inviting. Watching Gasol in this offense proves my point time and time again.
The Chicago Bulls need this guy down on the low post. He represents the one thing the Bulls haven’t had in ages. When the Bulls offense begins to stall (which has happened once or twice), it allows them to get the ball inside so he can use his ability to initiate the offense and make plays for his teammates.
The Bulls for the most part has Gasol at the top of the key to give him options. It allows Gasol to…
A) Navigate the floor for a pass to a cutter to the basket.
B) Take the mid range 12-to-15 footer.
C) Attack the rim to score or get to the line.
On paper, this makes a lot of sense. Here’s the problems. One, Gasol works best down low on the block. Two, the man’s shot is not falling. How long are the Bulls going to have Gasol floundering firing up bricks from the outside? Rule of thumb in basketball…when your jumper isn’t going, take your problems inside.
Gasol has shot less than 50 percent in six of seven games leading up to the Minnesota game and under 45 percent in five of those games. Gasol has too much talent for these numbers and the Bulls have to do a better job in putting Pau in a position to succeed.
If that does not happen (knowing Thibodeau’s genius offensive schemes, don’t count on it), Gasol had better find a way to be more effective the way the Bulls are handling him. If not, watch the drama unfold.