Chicago Bulls: Is Luol Deng More Valuable Than Derrick Rose?
Derrick Rose is the undisputed leader of the Chicago Bulls who is capable both facilitating and carrying the team to victory.
Luol Deng is Chicago’s most versatile player who contributes to the team in every facet of the game.
Chicago has played five games this season without their undisputed leader and amassed a 4-1 record.
Luol Deng has missed seven consecutive games and is expected to miss more. So far, the Bulls have accrued a 4-3 record. The most recent win against the New York Knicks could’ve very easily went the other way.
In the Rose-less stretch of the season Chicago still played pretty solid basketball on both ends of the court.
The offense was able to put up a respectable 98.2 points per game while the defense was still able to lock down opponents holding them to just 85.4 points per game.
With the exception of a complete breakdown against the Memphis Grizzlies, the Bulls received contributions from just about everyone on the roster to help continue their early season winning ways.
Over the course of this continuing stretch without Deng, the Bulls have gone 4-3 scoring 97.8 points and allowing 96.4 points, a significantly narrower margin of victory.
While Chicago ended their stretch without Rose on three game-winning streak, they have yet to even post consecutive wins sans Deng.
These contrasting performances bring up a very intriguing question.
Is Luol Deng more important to the Bulls’ success than Derrick Rose?
The big swing in points allowed obviously shows that the defense is severely lacking stopping power without Deng on the floor; however, other major categories show very little change.
The Bulls currently average 44.9 rebounds per game. That number was slightly higher without Rose at 45.6 and a little lower without Deng, 42.1.
Their 22.3 assists per game average was virtually the same without Rose at 22.6 and less than one assist lower without Deng, 21.5.
Chicago’s 96.3 overall points scored average is actually below what the team averaged without Rose and Deng.
Despite these statistical similarities, and intentionally omitting the obvious defensive disparities, it is the offensive aspect where the Bulls have suffered more than what one might have thought.
The most evident observation that can made here is that Rose’s scoring has gone up (28.4 ppg), but his assists have gone down (6.7 apg) without Deng being active.
Despite the overall team assist average not budging much, there is an obvious lack of offensive continuity without Deng on the court to keep the ball moving. This problem has been exacerbated with Richard Hamilton’s absence, as well.
Without Deng, there’s no one on the floor who demands enough respect to keep a wing defender from helping on Rose.
Kyle Korver can keep running off multiple screens, but Ronnie Brewer still isn’t enough of an offensive threat to keep his defender honest.
Without Deng presenting that second scoring/assist option, the burden to either score or create falls exclusively to Rose.
This void causes Chicago to fall back into the same habits of seasons’ past of Rose handling the ball while the bigs set picks and everyone else just kind of stands around.
The assist average remains comparable, but it doesn’t come from continuous ball movement allowing everyone to both touch and move without the ball. Rose merely drives and passes. That stagnation severely hinders player contributions.
This team relapse is the biggest adverse side-effect of Deng’s absence.
But still, is he more valuable to the team than Rose?
The short answer is no. The explanative answer requires a look at who the Bull played in each player’s absence.
Chicago’s stretch without Rose was against teams that did not have winning records. Their losses without Deng were to the Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers. Those were teams who could’ve beaten Chicago even if the Bulls were fully manned.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that Rose is more valuable than Deng either. The deficiencies shown in both players’ absences underscore the importance of the Bulls needing both men on the floor in order to have the best chances of winning.
Both Rose and Deng do so many things so well that they are able to make up for a supporting player’s shortages more than a reserve player can pick up Rose and Deng’s slack during their absence.
The Bulls are a complete team, and that totality works both to their benefit and to their detriment. They are nearly unstoppable with all hands on deck but often struggle when key players are absent.
Deng’s time off calls attention to some of the other areas in which Chicago could use improvement.
The value of Rose and Deng are equivocally apparent, and the one thing that’s for sure is that the Bulls need them both if they are going to win a title.
Read more NBA news on BleacherReport.com
View full post on Bleacher Report – NBA
Rose scores 32 as Bulls hold off Knicks
Derrick Rose scored 32 points, including 15 in the fourth quarter, to outduel fellow All-Star Carmelo Anthony, and Chicago won 105-102.
View full post on USATODAY.com Feed
Nicked-Up Chicago Bulls Nick Knicks, 105-102
The Chicago Bulls may be nicked up, but that didn’t keep them from beating the New York Knicks for their NBA-leading 19th win.
Derrick Rose, once again, carried the Bulls in the fourth quarter and throughout the game. In all, Rose scored 32 points and had 13 assists. Counting the threes he assisted on, he accounted for 60 of the Bulls’ points. Rose is now averaging 23.5 points per game and 8.0 assists.
In the fourth quarter, Rose scored 15 of the Bulls’ 27 points and assisted on two more.
It’s safe to say he earned his All-Star selection.
Once again the Bulls’ defense was getting shredded, though. Without Luol Deng, it’s just not the same.
In the past, it’s seemed at times like head coach Tom Thibodeau would have to be put on suicide watch if Deng were traded, and watching the prolonged time without him, it’s easy to see why.
Particularly when Kyle Korver has to start in place of Deng because Brewer is playing in place of Hamilton, the defense suffers.
Because Korver simply isn’t quick enough to guard the quicker fours—and Andre Iguodala and Carmelo Anthony in back to back games are nightmare matchups for Korver—Joakim Noah has to come over to provide help defense.
As a result, Boozer is left without the help that he usually gets and the end result is the Bulls get punished in the paint.
When Deng is in the lineup, not only does he not need help, he’s able to give help. Noah is able to give the help that Boozer needs, not having to worry about defending three positions at the same time.
Tonight his four fouls were largely a result of trying to get back to help Boozer after having had to get out of position to help Korver. Honestly, tonight Korver did about the same thing I did for the Bulls’ defense. He sat around watching the Knicks score on him.
Yes, the Bulls miss Deng’s 15 points per game, but they miss his defense even more. The Bulls were giving up an average of 85 points per game with Deng playing. Since he’s gone down, they have been giving up 95 points per game.
Luol Deng is worth 10 points per game on the defensive end—that’s huge. I hope coaches think of that when they’re filling out their ballots. Deng needs to be an All-Star.
I’d also like to point out that the Bulls have played the most games (25) of any team in the NBA, the most road games (16) and the most back to backs (10) of any team in the NBA. They have done this missing 27 total games from their starters (in 25 games, mind you!)
Lest you’re thinking that all of this is excuses, let me remind you, the Bulls have the best record in the Eastern Conference and the most wins in the NBA.
These aren’t excuses for what the Bulls haven’t done, but they are obstacles the Bulls have overcome in what they have accomplished.
The Bulls’ next game comes Saturday night against the Milwaukee Bucks, who have been playing much better lately and beat the Miami Heat in their last game. There are rumors that Deng should be available for that game.
The Bulls should also be slightly better rested as they’ll be heading back to Chicago tonight and will at least be able to spend a couple of nights in their own beds. They’ll also see their schedule lighten up a bit now as they won’t have more back to backs until after the All-Star Game.
Read more NBA news on BleacherReport.com
View full post on Bleacher Report – NBA
Chicago Bulls vs. New York Knicks: 5 Quick Thoughts on Bulls’ 105-102 Win
The Chicago Bulls held off the New York Knicks Thursday night, defeating them 105-102 at Madison Square Garden in thrilling fashion. Both teams traded buckets in the fourth quarter behind their respective superstars, Derrick Rose and Amar’e Stoudemire. However, Carmelo Anthony missed a potential game-tying three-pointer as time expired, sealing the 105-102 win for the Bulls.
Rose led the Bulls with 32 points and 13 assists, marking the fourth time in five games that he has scored over 30 points. Kyle Korver also continued his recent hot streak, adding 16 points on 4-of-7 shooting. Carlos Boozer added 16 points and nine rebounds.
Despite key injuries to starters Luol Deng and Richard Hamilton, the Bulls held off a great night from Amar’e Stoudemire (34 points and 11 rebounds). Carmelo Anthony added 26 points on 10-of-26 shooting but was completely shut down by Bulls rookie Jimmy Butler in the fourth quarter.
The Bulls led 55-44 at halftime and let the Knicks climb back into the game by being outscored 31-22 in the third. However, Rose put the Bulls on his back, scoring 15 points in the fourth quarter to hold off the Knicks.
Here are five quick thoughts following the Bulls’ 105-102 win in New York.
View full post on Bleacher Report – NBA
Rose scores 32 points, Bulls beat Knicks (AP)
Derrick Rose and Carmelo Anthony are both All-Star starters. Only Rose is the reigning MVP, and he was the one who owned Madison Square Garden on Thursday night. Rose had 32 points, 13 assists and a basket seemingly every time the Knicks were poised to rally in the Bulls’ 105-102 victory. “Every time I step on the court, they’re coming at me,” Rose said.
View full post on Yahoo! Sports – NBA News
Chicago Bulls: Was Thursday Jimmy Butler’s Coming-Out Party?
Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler has officially arrived.
After much waiting and anticipation, Thursday’s game against the New York Knicks was finally the breakout game Bulls fans had been clamoring.
While Butler did not have an explosive game, scoring only seven points on 2-of-5 shooting, I firmly believe head coach Tom Thibodeau and Bulls fans alike are now fully aware of what Butler presents given a healthy amount of playing time.
After playing just 63 minutes in just 12 games, Butler saw his highest minute total of the year Thursday with 20, the most minutes of any Bulls bench player.
After setting a career high in minutes (19) the night before against Andre Iguodala and the Philadelphia 76ers, it is becoming obvious Thibodeau has increased confidence in Butler.
Butler looked polished on the offensive end hitting a few key shots, including long jumpers. Any amount of shooting range from Butler gives the Bulls another option to spread the floor and allows Rose more room to operate.
Most encouraging was Butler’s ability to get to the basket and slash, an element largely missing from the Bulls attack in both the starting lineup and NBA-best bench. Butler struggled finishing at the rim but that will come in time.
For now, if Butler continues to slash and get to the basket, he will open new options for the Bulls offense in addition to creating floor space for three-point shooters like Kyle Korver and C.J. Watson.
Better yet, Butler can continue to draw fouls, which he was able to do quite well Thursday shooting 3-of-4 from the line.
The most encouraging part of the game was Butler’s defensive play, especially against established NBA superstar, and one of, if not the league’s best pure scorers, Carmelo Anthony.
Butler played a large part in holding Anthony to a measly four points in the fourth quarter.
That is no easy task for an elite scorer on the level of Anthony especially given that he had scored 22 the first three quarters.
Butler’s length and speed allowed him to cut off passing lanes and challenge shots including a block on an Anthony layup attempt late in the contest.
Obviously much of Butler’s recent playing time is a result of Luol Deng’s wrist injury, but these last two games (13 points, five rebounds and 39 minutes) are definitely encouraging for the 30th overall pick.
Not predicted to make much of an impact for the 2011-12 Chicago Bulls, Butler is slowly emerging as another threat off an already lethal Chicago Bulls bench.
Given the defensive struggles of Korver, we could very well see Butler biting into his late game minutes, when defensive is especially vital.
Time will tell if Butler emerges as a weapon for the Bulls but as it stands the young forward has been extremely impressive in the Bulls last two games.
Read more NBA news on BleacherReport.com
View full post on Bleacher Report – NBA
Chicago Bulls vs. Philadelphia 76ers: The 76ers Are for Real
The easy early schedule for the Philadelphia 76ers has caused people to ask if they were for real. In more than one place, the Sixers’ record has been called “fools gold.” Well, after tonight’s thumping of the Chicago Bulls, for one night at least, the gold looks pretty real.
The Bulls entered the game with the best record in the Eastern Conference, but the Sixers’ tenacious defense contributed to an early lead, which they never relinquished. Again the “Night Shift,” which might be the best bench in the league, contributed 50 points. The surprise here was the 15 points from rookie Lavoy Allen, who had gone scoreless the previous game against the Magic.
Andre Iguodala stole the show with his dunks, passes, threes and rebounds. He finished with 19 points and nine rebounds. The Sixers are still playing without their starting and backup centers. When you can beat a team like the Bulls with Tony Battie playing center and scoring just two points and snagging one rebound, it tells you quite a bit about the depth of this team.
There isn’t much time to savor this win with LeBron James and the Heat on tap for Friday night and then a quick trip to Atlanta on Saturday. Next week the stretch against winning teams continues as the Lakers, Spurs and Clippers come to town. Certainly a week from now we will have a much clearer view of the number of carats in the gold. But for now, Sixers fans can enjoy the glitter.
Read more NBA news on BleacherReport.com
View full post on Bleacher Report – NBA
76ers’ Andre Iguodala and Thaddeus Young Tame the Chicago Bulls, Win 98-82
On Wednesday night the Philadelphia 76ers faced off against the Chicago Bulls in a game that by many accounts would define the Sixers’ level of play. Although heading into the game the Sixers possessed the best record in the Atlantic Division, their achievements have been drastically undermined by many analysts who conclude that the key to the Sixers’ success has been their schedule thus far.
For instance, 12 of the Sixers’ wins have come against teams below .500. And with losses to the Knicks, and the Heat, many fans wondered whether the Sixers could compete against the more dominant teams in the NBA.
On Wednesday night, however, the Sixers defeated the Chicago Bulls, 98-82, and finally established themselves as one of the best teams in the league. Thaddeus Young and Andre Iguodala lead the Sixers offense with 19 points each, with Iguodala providing additional support with nine rebounds and four assists. Meanwhile, the defense was spectacular once again, holding all but Derrick Rose and C.J. Watson to single digits.
Moreover, the Sixers displayed a brand of team basketball that sets them apart from their competitors. For example, in addition to Iguodala and Young, five players on the Sixers scored double digits, including Jrue Holliday with 17 points, Lou Williams with 14 points and Lavoy Allen with 15 points. Furthermore, the Sixers as a team combined for 26 assists, displaying the type of selfless basketball that defines Doug Collins’ coaching style.
More importantly, with a win over the Chicago Bulls the Sixers have won their last four games and are now tied for third place in the Eastern Conference. Moreover, Andre Iguodala is quickly becoming the player fans expected him to be, and Lou Williams is further establishing himself as the Sixers’ go-to shooter.
Ultimately, with the way the Sixers are currently playing, fans are buzzing with a level of excitement that’s reminiscent to that of the Sixers’ 2001 season. And you can’t help but wonder if Philadelphia will once again play host to the NBA Finals.
Read more NBA news on BleacherReport.com
View full post on Bleacher Report – NBA
Chicago Bulls: Derrick Rose, Bulls Getting It Done Despite Injuries
Despite all the injuries the Chicago Bulls have suffered so far this season, the Bulls continue to win games, and in impressive fashion. Their 18-5 record is good enough for the best in the Eastern Conference, even though they have gone through recent stretches without key players. All-Star point guard Derrick Rose, Richard Hamilton and, most recently, Luol Deng have all missed significant time due to injuries.
Rose’s injury has most fans concerned since a turf toe injury is one that is known to linger for months. The injury sidelined the reigning MVP for five games, yet during that stretch, the Bulls managed to go 4-1 while going undefeated at home.
C.J. Watson deserves a lot of credit for the tremendous job he did filling in for Rose. Although Watson had suffered an elbow injury a few games prior, he played through the pain in order to help the Bulls’ already thin backcourt. In his four starts, Watson averaged 16.5 points and six assists per game, including a 23-point effort versus the Phoenix Suns.
Bulls fans were also relieved to see Carlos Boozer finally take initiative on the offensive end. In the five games Rose missed, Boozer averaged 21.5 points and 8.4 rebounds while shooting an efficient 52 percent from the floor. Fans are hoping to see this kind of production and effort on a more regular basis.
Hamilton is another key player the Bulls will need to monitor over the next few weeks. Hamilton’s groin injury has the 14-year veteran a game-time decision almost every night and has forced the shooting guard to miss 12 of the 23 games so far this season.
After re-aggravating his groin in Sunday’s 97-93 loss to the Miami Heat, it is very possible the Bulls will sit him for an extended period of time to let the groin fully heal.
Deng is the most recent Bull to fall victim to the shortened, injury-heavy season. Deng tore a ligament in his left wrist in fourth quarter of a 95-89 win versus the Charlotte Bobcats and the severity has yet to be determined. Although there has been talk about Deng possibly having surgery, reports have indicated that Deng will avoid surgery at all costs.
Deng’s wrist injury has a lot of fans concerned since the Bulls cannot afford to lose him for a long period time. He is arguably the best defensive player on the roster and the most consistent scoring option behind Rose. The Bulls also desperately need Deng to guard LeBron James come playoffs, especially after Ronnie Brewer’s defensive performance against James in last Sunday’s loss.
With both Deng and Hamilton currently sidelined with their respective injuries, other players have been called on to step up in their absence.
Joakim Noah has played much better as of late and seems to have finally found his stride. In Monday’s win versus the New Jersey Nets, Noah recorded his fifth straight double-double and has also shot 64 percent from the field during that stretch.
Rose also looks to be feeling healthy and back to full speed. Since his return, the reigning MVP is averaging 29.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game. It is clear that without Hamilton and Deng in the starting lineup, Rose will need to take an even greater offensive role, much like he did last season.
The shortened season has undoubtedly taken a toll on key players the Bulls simply cannot afford to be without come playoffs. Luckily for the Bulls, they have an extremely deep bench that has done a phenomenal job filling in when called on.
Their depth should help them not only cruise through the regular season, but should give other players the opportunity to fully heal. At full strength, there is no doubt the Bulls are one of the most dangerous teams in the league.
Read more NBA news on BleacherReport.com
View full post on Bleacher Report – NBA
Chicago Bulls: Forget Dwight Howard, What About Eric Gordon?
Dwight Howard conjured another media storm earlier this week after the Orlando Magic lost in an embarrassing fashion to the New Orleans Hornets, when he told the Chicago Tribune he’d be willing to join Derrick Rose in playing for the Chicago Bulls.
As predicted, this spawned a furious debate confronting the pros and cons that such a move would bring to Chicago. The Bulls have the opportunity to land two of the top-five players in the game right now—giving them a point guard-center combination that would be unmatched for the next decade.
Teams generally look to double team Rose or Howard when playing the Bulls or Magic, so what could the opposition possibly do to contain both of them at once?
Furthermore, the Miami Heat (the Bulls’ only legitimate road block to the finals) still have a deficiency at the center position.
So what better way to exploit that than by landing the best center in the league?
The question that everyone else has raised, obviously, is whether the cost is too high.
Do the Bulls really want to blow up the team that had the best record in the league last season to land a seemingly immature and indecisive man-child that brings them no guarantees?
The deal would surely cost the Bulls most of their current front line, and the Magic may want more than Joakim Noah, Taj Gibson, Omer Asik and/or Luol Deng (Hint: Unloading Hedo Turkoglu’s obscene contract).
Why tamper with a system proven to deliver, especially when it’s been greatly upgraded from Keith Bogans to Rip Hamilton?
The consensus seems to be that Howard just isn’t worth it. And I’m inclined to agree that while the prospect is tempting—it doesn’t make sense to sacrifice this season to “rebuilding” when the Bulls are so close. John Paxon and Gar Forman, who have proven to be very careful and meticulous managers, probably think the same.
So I wouldn’t count on Howard making it to Chicago anytime soon.
After the Bulls’ heartbreaking 97-93 loss to the Heat on Sunday, that has been greatly altered by injuries to Deng, Watson and Hamilton—was still painfully reminiscent of last season’s playoff series.
It seems almost necessary to yet again question whether or not the Bulls have enough to get past their Eastern Conference rivals. The teams are nearly identical to their 2010-2011 prototypes—the notable additions being Hamilton for the Bulls and Shane Battier for the Heat.
While Battier has reportedly lost a step, he still adds an elite defender to an already tight Miami defense. Not to mention a 6’8″ body to battle on the boards (remember that Carlos Boozer is only 6’9″—and he’s a PF).
Hamilton, on the other hand, does provide more scoring at shooting guard. However, his looks are reliant on ball movement and screening. He doesn’t take the ball out of Rose’s hands to create his own shot—on the contrary, I’d argue that he relies on Rose to lure the defense so he can get his looks much like Kyle Korver does to get his shots.
Sounds sort of like a rich man’s Bogans (provided Hamilton can even stay healthy), and he certainly doesn’t alleviate any offensive pressure Rose has in that respect.
In short, while the Bulls have found an upgrade—they haven’t necessarily fixed the problem. The Heat’s acquisition is only going to make it harder for them to score.
Enter Eric Gordon, who will become a restricted free agent next season and whose refusal to sign an extension with the Hornets seems to have gotten lost in the Howard whirlwind. While Gordon has only played two games this season because of injury, his career with the Clippers had everyone buzzing about the 24-year-old’s potential—until they shipped him off to The Big Easy (22.3 PPG last season).
If he were on the Bulls, it would add another dynamic scorer to their backcourt. His young age could keep him paired with Rose for a long time.
His downside though, is that he’s only 6’3″ (the same height as Rose). Also, he has been somewhat injury prone in only three years of action.
But a deal for Gordon would surely cost far less than Howard. It would address more immediate issues—allowing another guard to take the ball out of Rose’s hands and put more pressure on the defense from the perimeter (a guard that can create his own shot and hit the three). Gordon could even run the point in some instances, giving the Bulls’ backcourt even more flexibility.
The trade would presumably call for the Bulls to part with at least Omer Asik and/or Taj Gibson. If they are worried about depleting their frontcourt (losing both would leave them with only Boozer and Noah), they could try and get Chris Kaman as well—an old but serviceable center being actively shopped by the Hornets. His downside, however, is that his expiring contract is worth $14 million—something the Bulls cannot afford without some creative tinkering.
If the Bulls were to make a move this season (and I highly doubt it, given their consistent success and generally prudent management), the safer, less invasive procedure would be to deal with the Hornets—allowing them to procure a budding, independent shooting guard.
Granted, this idea could be somewhat premature given that Hamilton hasn’t been healthy enough to have a legitimate chance to showcase his potential in Tom Thibodeau’s system (even his performance against the Heat was mired in leg injuries), but with the Bulls’ offensive woes returning in Miami on Sunday—it’s enough to wonder whether they really do have enough to win now.
Read more NBA news on BleacherReport.com
View full post on Bleacher Report – NBA
