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Chicago Bulls: 5 Ways Derrick Rose Can Lead Team To Conference Finals

By Jake Hyman

Feb 7, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 7, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 4, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) and forward Pau Gasol (16) celebrate in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
May 4, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) and forward Pau Gasol (16) celebrate in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

He re-introduces the bigs to the offensive plan

Key fixtures to yet another Bulls playoff appearance, both Taj Gibson and Joakim Noah need to step up to compliment Rose. Noah is averaging a tepid 4.0 points per game in the series and Gibson failed to impress going 2-for-7 from the field in Game 4 filling in for Gasol.

Gibson will have to produce in the vaulted role now that the five-time All-Star will seemingly watch from the sidelines for Game 5.

Gibson’s appeal on offense comes from his range and mobility at the 4. He’s been hesitant down low, but Rose can utilize Gibson’s plus mid-range game on pick and rolls and create a mismatch on the tough cover.

Noah usually doesn’t serve as a primary option on offense, but Rose driving to the paint can create looks on the block for the former All-Star. Also, a plethora of the misses have come on repeated put-backs, an attempt Noah usually excels at. With a depleted rotation for the Cavs, Noah’s intensity and physicality translates on both sides.

If Rose can get out of Cleveland with the W, a possible Gasol comeback would give Rose another frontcourt weapon. Looking short term, his two career-long teammates also need their playoff moment. One Rose is certainly capable of giving.

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