Chicago Bulls: As 2016-17 Approaches, Problems Still Loom

With three preseason games under their belts and 2016-17 approaching, the Chicago Bulls still have some kinks to work out.

The Chicago Bulls have played three preseason games so far, putting their record at 2-1.

But, that is not really what matters here.

Well, not in regards to numbers on paper anyways. After all, come Thursday, October 27 when the Bulls take on the Boston Celtics at the United Center, the slate will be wiped clean.

However, that does not mean that the entirety of their preseason performance should be ignored. Because despite being only three technically unofficial games into 2016-17, there is already plenty to take note of.

Some good, like that so far, everyone is seemingly getting along; a stark difference compared to the abundance of locker room drama present last year. The front office certainly decided upon revamping the roster at the right time, not just strictly to improve on-court performance, but also to avoid behind-the-scenes headaches as well.

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Sadly though, not all of the organization’s shortcomings were so easily solved. Which brings up the not so good.

For example, the fact that Chicago still has not gotten a handle on defense.

Things certainly have not been the same since former head coach Tom Thibodeau was fired. Falling from a defensive powerhouse to just another team in the league, the Bulls lost sight of their greatest strength and have yet to prioritize getting it back.

Having given up 115 and 105 points back-to-back to the Indiana Pacers, it would be a shame for Chicago to give way to bad habits right from the get go. And while it is certainly commendable that Hoiberg seemingly always tries to put a positive spin on things, it may be time for him to get a little more in touch with reality.

When asked about the team’s latest defensive failures, Hoiberg said:

"“We were much better in our second game against Indiana than we were in the first. They really exposed us in transition that first game, which maybe was good for us. You have to go back and watch it, simulate some of the things they were doing in practice and try to get better.”"

Try to get better, indeed. Because as the saying goes, defense wins games. And that certainly should be the goal, especially after failing to even make the playoffs last season.

The question now is, how will Hoiberg correct this?

And the answer may reside in a guy like Taj Gibson. The 30-year-old is not necessarily known as a defensive specialist, but after playing for Thibodeau and having to cover for even lesser talents around him, he certainly has the ability to become one. And may just step things up this upcoming year, if given the chance.

There is also the issue of consistent play from Nikola Mirotic.

As the competition for the starting power forward spot continues, fans are waiting for Mirotic to finally blossom into a reliable shooter. After spending two years with the Bulls, the 25-year-old is averaging 10.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists a matchup on 22.3 minutes of play. But it is less about total statistics, and more about inconsistency. While Mirotic has had the likes of a 35-point game (against the New York Knicks on March 23), he has also struggled to break two baskets on several occasions.