They’re still lull-aBulls, but ‘D’ has improved
The Bulls are still susceptible to defensive lulls, but at least some progress has been made.
And considering how short-handed and undermanned they’ve been, any headway is noteworthy.
The Bulls entered the week 23rd in points allowed (113 per game) but moved up to 14th in opponents’ field-goal percentage (.455) and were 17th in opponents’ three-point percentage (.349).
“We have seen a lot of growth since the beginning of the season, and when we do get into trouble, a lot of it is when we turn the ball over and teams get out in transition on us,’’ coach Fred Hoiberg said Monday. “It’s hard to get back and set your defense.’’
It looked almost impossible the first few weeks of the regular season. The Bulls were making the transition to a switching-style defense from last season’s ever-changing defensive philosophy, whose main architect was associate head coach Jim Boylen.
Instead of a defense that would change from game to game based on matchups, the Bulls’ brass wanted the coaching staff to install a more clear-cut concept the players could lean on in every game.
Like many teams are doing throughout the league, Boylen embraced a switching style in training camp, but there have been some bumpy moments. The 149-point outburst by the Warriors on Oct. 29 was the team’s defensive nadir, but there were other low points.
“We still are throwing different coverages out there,’’ Hoiberg said. “A lot of teams have one set defensive plan, but we’re still throwing different things out, a lot of times based on personnel or who we have in the game. Robin [Lopez’s] coverage is different than Wendell [Carter’s] coverage. It’s different from [Cristiano] Felicio’s coverage because they have different strengths on that side of the ball.
“The important thing is we’re making progress.’’
And the cavalry finally might be arriving for Hoiberg. Kris Dunn (left knee) and Bobby Portis (right knee) started noncontact practice routines this week.
Dunn is the Bulls’ best perimeter defender, and Portis had taken up the role of vocal
leader on defense before being sidelined.
The new NBA
Hoiberg isn’t the only coach struggling with the new freedom-of-movement rules that are handcuffing defenses.
When asked by longtime NBA writer Sam Smith about his usually stellar defensive team falling on hard times, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said, “I’m glad you’re not playing tonight because we might have trouble stopping you. Does that put it in a nutshell for you?
“It’s very difficult. It’s been spread for a while, but the rules have helped that spread to a great degree this year, as you well know. It’s very difficult to guard people. We’re just used to being a good defensive team, and I think the teams that do win in the end are good defensive teams, like Golden State. They’re a good defensive team. We were second in defensive efficiency last year. Right now, we’re 22nd. That’s new for me, and it’s not for lack of trying.’’