How can the Bulls improve on their slow starts?

Question on the street, who can coach the Bulls to a championship other than Tom Thibodeau ?

Answer ; Nobody.

So, unless the Chicago Bulls are ready for their sixth rebuilding plan in five years restraint may be the order of the day.

More from Bulls News

At the heart of the Bulls perplexing habit of losing to inferior teams is the habit of starting games slowly and allowing their opponents an opportunity to build momentum.

Excuses for the slow starts abound, everything from energy lapses to line up changes.

Here is what we know:

-The Bulls have one of the bigger front lines in the NBA.

-When he puts his mind to it, no one can keep Derrick Rose out of the lane.

-Joakim Noah is an offensive rebounder par-excellance.

-And, Jimmy Butler goes to the line a lot.
Now taking those factors into consideration why do the Bulls start most games taking turns shooting from the outside?

Why waste your size ?
Most observers agree that if you have a size advantage (2nd team rpg) and squander it by taking ill advised shots early on it may take a quarter or a half to get back on track.

Teams are starting to go under screen rolls effectively daring Derrick Rose to shoot from the outside. Well, Derrick can keep firing away or the Bulls can wait for Mike Dunleavy to return and use him in 1-3 screen rolls while the team improves on spacing (which is poor) and ball movement.

But the fact remains that the Bulls should consider running a lions share of their offense through Pau Gasol (3rd-BPG, 5th RPG) in the low post considering how incredibly long ( and smart) he is. Outside shots will then come from double teams as well they should. When playing against physical centers or the Washington Wizards Pau can rotate in and out of the post with…believe it or not, Joakim Noah.
If you don’t use it you will lose it.
At some point Joakim will have to improve in playing close to the basket on offense and it will happen only through repetition. It goes something like this, jump hooks with both hands and a credible up and under move will take Jo to the next level. And since we are on the subject, Jo and Taj Gibson could benefit from some sort of Newell-esqe clinic that induces electro shock every time a big man brings an offensive rebound below his waist.

When not in the post Noah could position himself opposite Pau baseline extended where he would be in position for back door passes and lobs. (might want to keep your best offensive rebounder close to the basket). Thing is, Jo has a decent mid-range shot (40% 15-19ft) but he doesn’t really trust it. Otherwise he would not hesitate.

Running the offense through Jo at the free throw line is only effective in spots as opponents will back off of him especially in the playoffs. Besides, last I heard the Bulls have a point guard.. you know? old what’s his name.
Believe it or not there is still time

Spacing is important also so that Jimmy Butler can go all ( Jimmy G. Buckets) on us.
The combination of Pau’s inside/outside play, Jo’s boards and Jimmy’s frequent trips to the free throw line should set the table for the rest of the game and season…

Oh, and we can’t forget old what’s his name.

More from Pippen Ain't Easy

Home/Bulls News