Fixing Fred Hoiberg’s Coaching Misfires with the Bulls

Mar 23, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg looks on from the sidelines during the first half against the New York Knicks at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg looks on from the sidelines during the first half against the New York Knicks at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
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The Bulls were bad defensively under Fred Hoiberg in year one.
Oct 28, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Thaddeus Young (30) drives against Chicago Bulls defense during the third quarter at Barclays Center. Chicago won 115-100. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

The Bulls were terrible at protecting the rim in 2015-16

Opponents had 28.8 layup/paint points against the Bulls last year, which was the worst in the league. It was only in the last five games when Hoiberg decided that Cristiano Felicio was a strong defensive player closing out games. Hoiberg was ready to play him against the Miami Heat in a crucial game late, but deferred to Gasol in the end.

He shouid have more confidence to take calculated risks, given what he has seen with Gasol (or any player) through the entire season on defense.

Next: The Bulls were bad against small-ball last year