Fred Hoiberg was brought in to replace Tom Thibodeau and implement an offensive system that on paper, speeds up ball movement, calls for quick shots and can also give players freedom. Instead, they ranked 21st in team scoring, down from 15th a year ago even though they somehow had a slightly higher number. Gar Forman and John Paxson didn't make this specific point in their press conference Wednesday, but it could be just one in a long list of reasons they're blaming the players for an unsuccessful year. Jerry Reinsdorf supports the men who run his organization, so they'll have to be the ones who look at the roster and determine who should stay and who should go.
Jimmy Butler called himself a team leader early on, much to the chagrin of some of his teammates, and backed it up with a career-high 20.9 points per game. He was selected to his second straight All-Star Game, but sprained his knee, forcing him to miss that event and a month of regular action. Without that injury, the Bulls might not have missed the playoffs, showing how valuable he really is and he should be the guy the Bulls build around going forward. Almost any postseason team this year would take him if they could.
Derrick Rose finally made it through a full season without suffering a long-term injury, but numerous minor health setbacks kept him to 66 games, though that's still the most he's played since his MVP year. When Butler went out, he showed how helpful he can be in his current state, averaging 21.9 points per game in February. That came at a time when his monthly scoring averages consistently rose (no pun intended) and he ultimately put up a 16.4 scoring average. While it's a far cry from his superstar days (can't believe I'm saying that), he can still be a solid contributor on a winner.
Pau Gasol took Butler's spot on the All-Star team and it was evident why. Like last year, he was good for a double-double regularly and it showed, averaging 16.5 points and 11 rebounds per game over a team-high 72 contests. But many still have questions about his defense and won't be sad when he opts out of his contract likely goes elsewhere this offseason. Losing him for nothing though would mean a trade deadline deal to Sacramento that didn't go through comes back to haunt the front office.
Taj Gibson was the healthiest Bull until injuries derailed him over the final two weeks. He started the most number of games (55) since his rookie year and shot a career-best 52.5 percent from the field. His offense and defense continue to compliment each other well, even as he's started to play in his 30s. His scoring dropped this year, but he also didn't attempt as many shots in years past, so don't read that much into his numbers.
Mike Dunleavy returned from a back injury late in the season, but that, along with age, might be responsible for his numbers being down virtually across the board. Depending on the Bulls' offseason or a desire to give more time to younger players, he might see more time on the bench next year. Some players can adjust their games as they age and still be effective. He doesn't seem to be one of them.
Such a case could also be made for Joakim Noah, who left a big leadership gap on the Bulls when he separated his shoulder in January and missed the rest of the season. He was already ineffective on the court at the time he went out and his free agency this offseason could mean the end of his time in Chicago. It's a shame his nine years with the team possibly had to end like that, but c'est la vie. Hopefully, he can do something meaningful wherever he ends up.
Nikola Mirotic improved just about everywhere in his second season, though an appendectomy forced him to miss a lot of time. Both before and after, he was either a key player or holding back the team game in and game out. Most won't look at his 11.8 scoring average and focus on his inconsistent play instead. But he's one player worth having patience with because he could be the Bulls' biggest role player in the future.
Patience with Doug McDermott certainly paid off after being demoted to the end of the bench as a rookie. A virtual redshirt this year, he improved everywhere and even showed off some athleticism I didn't know he had. As we found out over his 81 games, there's more to the former national player of the year than just shooting. If nothing else, this is another key player the Bulls will have going forward.
Aaron Brooks was the only Bull not to start a game this year, serving as nothing more than a backup point guard on a floundering team. He never really got much attention and despite playing 69 games, his numbers were down almost everywhere. It was disappointing after he had a lot to contribute the previous year. An unrestricted free agent this offseason, he won't be missed too much should he not return.
Another guard, E'Twaun Moore, will also become a free agent. The East Chicago native started 22 of his 59 games and proved to be solid, averaging 7.5 points per game. Only 27, he has plenty of time to show he can do more than just provide relief to the main floor generals on an NBA team. He'll land somewhere if the Bulls don't re-sign him and certainly do a fine job with whatever role he's given.
It took awhile for Bobby Portis to crack the rotation, but once he did, he showed how promising a future he has. Better than the seven points he averaged in 62 games, he had the heart of a rookie who just wanted to prove himself in the NBA. His defense was solid and his offense should continue to improve over time. He might not make the All-Rookie Team, but he never tried to do more than he was capable of, which could prove big down the line.
Justin Holiday and Cristiano Felicio saw more playing time late in the season and proved to be effective. Holiday, acquired in the Kirk Hinrich deal, surely earned his spot for next year by giving quality minutes in his opportunities. Felicio has a non-guaranteed deal coming up, but don't be shocked to see him return either after he gave some stability to power forward. Cameron Bairstow is running out of time to prove himself as a viable part of the Bulls' future and Tony Snell took such a step back this year, I've lost all hope for him.
With all these in mind, it's time for GarPax to give Hoiberg a roster fit for his system, something they failed to do this year. They need someone who can give Rose solid relief at the point as well as a power forward or center to make up for the gaps that are sure to come this offseason. It's going to take some major scouting on their parts to get back to the playoffs, which is the most attainable goal for the time being since that championship window is permanently shut with this group. A pity we've had to lower our expectations significantly, but that's what happens when a front office as stubborn as this one won't make the moves or non-moves necessary to keep the team in that conversation.
It's going to be a longer summer than usual this year, so use it to wash the bad taste from this past season out of your mouth. After that, do it at least once or twice more so not a trace of it is left in your mind. Once you have, get ready for me to analyze all the offseason action, including the *shudder* draft lottery that will most certainly keep the Bulls picking at 14th in June. Don't expect anything big that will make everyone excited again, but of course, who really thought Rose would be on his way here right after the 2007-08 season?
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