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Chicago Bulls: 5 Keys To Remaining In Playoff Picture

By James D. Tillman III

Feb 6, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol (16) and forward Taj Gibson (22) react during the third quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Timberwolves won 112-105. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol (16) and forward Taj Gibson (22) react during the third quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Timberwolves won 112-105. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 7, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg talks to his team from the bench against the Boston Celtics during the second half at United Center. The Bulls won 101-92. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg talks to his team from the bench against the Boston Celtics during the second half at United Center. The Bulls won 101-92. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Bulls Must Adapt To Fred Hoiberg‘s Offense

During his five-year run as head coach of the Iowa State Cyclones, Fred Hoiberg compiled an impressive 116-56 record, which included a Sweet 16 appearance in 2014. Aside from familiarity with the organization, one of the reasons why the Bulls’ brass decided to hire Hoiberg was because of his ability to run a pro-style offense.

"“I think the big thing for me is I have always run an NBA-type system,” Hoiberg told ESPN. “I’m not coming into this [having] never experienced NBA basketball.”"

Hoiberg’s promise to play with pace compared to calling set plays on every possession seemed to be just what the Bulls needed. Unfortunately, attempting to implement a faster-paced offense has not come without growing pains.

For starters, the Bulls are ranked 25 in offensive efficiency, which is a considerable drop off compared to last season when they finished 10th in this category, per Basketball-Reference.com. Secondly, there have been many instances in which they have failed to score points in the latter stages of games, which has resulted in a number of head-scratching losses.

With the team struggling to adapt to his offense, Hoiberg has been forced to use more a more conservative playbook. However, if the players don’t find a way to bring Hoiberg’s philosophies to fruition, his first year in the Windy City will be a disappointment on many fronts.

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