Chicago Bulls fans are frustrated with the way this season has started off, and want answers as to why.
At this point in the NBA season, it is easy to see that Chicago Bulls fans are fed up. They are sick of losing, they miss the old Derrick Rose and they are over the off-court drama. But most of all, they want answers.
For a team in such a large market, the Bulls are rather … evasive. From the front office, to the coaching staff, to even some of the players, getting an explanation to just about anything is like pulling teeth (at least as of lately).
This of course is not only frustrating to the dedicated fan base, but on occasion leads to so-called inappropriate commentary: i.e., Jimmy Butler speaking out on head coach Fred Hoiberg‘s coaching style.
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As an organization, Chicago has always had its fair share of grievances, just like every other franchise in the league. However, it is undeniable that currently, things are pretty darn awful. And the worst part is, it seems as though no one really has a firm handle as to why.
From the sort of things that come up in face-to-face discussions, to what can be found on my Twitter feed, to comments on various Bulls stories across the web, it appears as though the majority of those following the team are asking the same questions.
So, here are four things fans want the answers to.
Next: Trade Or Bust
Trade Or Bust
To put it mildly, the Bulls have an awful history in regard to trades.
Here is a brief, but painful walk down memory lane. In the (more than) 12 years that vice president John Paxson and general manager Gar Forman have been on the job together, they have essentially dumped a bunch of salaries.
In 2008, Ben Wallace and Joe Smith (along with Chicago’s 2009 second-round draft pick) were sent to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Drew Gooden, Larry Hughes, Shannon Brown and Cedric Simmons. Not exactly riveting.
The next year was a little more prosperous: Andres Nocioni, Gooden, Simmons, and Michael Ruffin went to the Sacramento Kings for Brad Miller and John Salmons; Hughes was off to the New York Knicks for Tim Thomas, Jerome James and Anthony Roberson; and Thabo Sefolosha was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder for a first-round pick.
2010 came along and the Bulls followed suit by trading Aaron Gray to the New Orleans Hornets for Devin Brown; sending Salmons and future second-round draft picks to the Milwaukee Bucks for Hakim Warrick and Joe Alexander; and moving Tyrus Thomas to the Charlotte Bobcats to Ronald Murray, Acie Law and a future first-round draft pick.
Then in 2011, James Johnson was traded to the Toronto Raptors for a first-round draft pick, followed by trading Kyle Korver (that one still hurts) to the Atlanta Hawks for a trade exception and cash considerations in 2012.
And of course, who could forget when they traded Luol Deng in 2014 to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Andrew Bynum (and get ready), two future second-round draft picks, a protected future pick and the right to swap first-round picks with the Cavaliers. What?
Is your head spinning? Are you wondering why the organization seemingly has no handle on how to trade successfully? And why history only keeps repeating itself? If so, you are not alone.
Paxson was recently asked about the team’s plans involving a trade in the near future. This is what he had to say:
"“We’re looking at everything. If at some point we feel like we need to make some changes, do something different with the roster, we talk to teams all the time. I know Gar is on the phone with teams every day. If there’s a way to do something different as we look at this, we certainly will. But you need two partners to get something going. And right now there’s not a lot of stuff going on this time of year. But it will all pick up as we get towards February and we’ll have a better idea about our team by then. Hopefully Mike and Jo are back and we can see if this group can find some sort of rhythm.”"
In other words, do not hold your breath.
Next: Oy-berg
Oy-berg
In many ways, the hiring of Hoiberg was a controversial one. For starters, many believe Tom Thibodeau was doing an excellent job. After all, he held a 255-139 coaching record with Chicago, finishing first in the Eastern Conference his first two years and getting the team to the postseason all five years.
He seemed generally well-liked and respected by the players, and was a part of little to no drama.
But for whatever reason, he stopped getting along with the front office. And some fans found his inflexibility in coaching strategy to be getting a bit stale.
And so, this past summer, Thibodeau was let go, in a rather crass manner to boot.
Hoiberg, who already had a long-standing relationship with Forman, was hired shortly thereafter. His first time coaching a NBA team, the newbie was Iowa State University’s head coach for five years. He had previously played in the league as a shooting guard, selected No. 52 by the Indiana Pacers in the 1995 draft.
He signed with Chicago in 1999 and played there until he moved onto the Minnesota Timberwolves. Unfortunately, Hoiberg had to have surgery in 2005 to correct an enlarged aortic root and ended up retiring the next year to join the Timberwolves front office.
When he was first announced as the next Bulls’ head coach, many called him the anti-Thibodeau. Instead of focusing on defense first and foremost, Hoiberg is known for his offensive dominance. He runs a fast-paced game, and values the likes of strong 3-point shooters.
Regardless of how people felt when Thibodeau was ousted and Hoiberg came aboard, most are in agreement now: Hoiberg’s system just is not working. At least not yet.
For one, the team seems to be lacking an identity. Short of commentary on how lost they are this year, Chicago is really not getting credited for much of anything. Under Thibodeau, they had a strong, memorable presence.
There is also the problem of the Bulls coming in at the No. 20 spot in points scored, and sitting pretty much in the middle in most (if not all), offensive categories. And do not even mention their current defensive state.
Tack on the fact that Rose does not seem in sync with just about anyone on the floor, and that Bobby Portis is missing in action and it is easy to see that Hoiberg is just not cutting it.
Was bringing him on a huge mistake? Or can he learn, moving forward? And what will happen to the fate of this team, if Hoiberg does not change his ways?
Next: Through Rose Colored Glasses
Through Rose-Colored Glasses
Ah, the curious case of Rose. Perhaps the most pressing issue on the minds of Chicagoans right now.
Rose is not the same guy nor the same player that he used to be. And as devastating as that is, it is something that we all need to come to terms with sooner than later. What is important now, is how the future will unfold for our once beloved guard.
After what seems like a million knee injuries, Rose was finally set to come back this season, fit as a horse. And then, he got whacked in the face and suffered an orbital fracture.
Besides the obvious immediate setback of said injury, it has also caused other concerns. For starters, Rose was experiencing both blurred and double vision during his recovery. And though that has not been touched upon for a minute, some people are wondering if these symptoms are still present. After all, his shooting percentage has drastically decreased.
In fact, it is the lowest (38.4 percent) it has ever been, not counting his 2013-14 season, when he played in only 10 games.
Then of course there is the issue of his overall attitude. Before this year even began, Rose rubbed just about everyone the wrong way when he started making comments about looking forward to 2017 free agency. He generally seemed disinterested in the organization (despite being the face of the franchise … ) and the game of basketball period.
Based on his lackadaisical approach, you would think he was a forgotten veteran, on the brink of retirement.
So what is going on with Rose, both physically and mentally? Is there something we are not being told? Are his eyes still bothering him? What about the knees? And is he over the front office, too? Or maybe just Hoiberg? Can anyone solve the Rose mystery?
Next: Where Is Bobby?
Where Is Bobby?
Portis was drafted at the No. 22 spot by Chicago, in the 2015 NBA draft. Terms like “steal” were thrown around, after the 6-foot-11 big man took SEC Player of the Year over No. 1 pick Karl-Anthony Towns. And yet, we have barely seen him on the floor at all.
The 20-year-old led the Arkansas Razorbacks to a 27-9 record, the most wins the program had seen in 20 years, and ultimately to the third round of the NCAA tournament. He averaged 17.5 points and 8.9 rebounds. All in all, he was exactly what the Bulls needed.
Obviously no one expected him to find time as a starter right off the bat; the transition between college and professional basketball is a much harder one than even the best of players anticipate. However, he is being severely underused and the fan base has noticed.
Portis has played in eight games so far, for an average of 11.8 minutes per game. He has really only seen close to significant time on two occasions: once when he played 23 minutes against the Knicks and scored 20 points and 11 rebounds, and the other on Christmas Day against the Thunder, for seven points, five rebounds and three assists.
It has clearly been hard on Portis, too.
"“It’s been tough. Something new for me for sure. Last time I didn’t play was 10th grade. I’m just waiting my time. Even though my time hasn’t come, I’ve been supportive of my teammates. Just trying to be the best teammate possible. Every player does something different with me, some advice: Stay ready, it’s a long season, 82 games, and I need to stay ready for my turn.”"
With the season steadily moving along, everyone is wondering, when will Portis see more action? And why has he not been used more thus far?
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This year has been a frustrating one for Bulls fans. Between the new coach, a 17-12 record (currently putting them sixth in the East), and players not living up to former expectations, there are still a lot of unanswered questions. Fingers crossed that in 2016, things will start to come together.