Chicago Bulls: 3 steps to solve their frontcourt logjam

Step 3: Hoiberg tries new lineups

The Chicago Bulls have more pliability than meets the eye. Take Denzel Valentine, for example. During his senior year of college he put up 7.8 assists per game and ran a ton of pick-and-roll for Tom Izzo. Could he be the key to managing a lineup with Parker and Portis in the frontcourt?

Hoiberg could likely opt to begin the year with a starting lineup that has Kris Dunn at the point, Zach LaVine at the 2 and Parker at the 3. Markkanen will start at the power forward spot. In this scenario, Carter starts at center, but in reality, Lopez will probably still be on the team and maintain his starting role. Still, let’s entertain the theoretical.

This gets a bit tricky. The first substitution would be somewhat of a line shift. Replace Dunn with Valentine, Justin Holiday for Parker, and Portis for Carter. This crew has Valentine at the point with LaVine next to him. Holiday spaces as a forward while Markkanen remains at his best position. Portis stretches as center.

Giving Valentine extended minutes running the point would be a good idea for Hoiberg. Valentine has gifted vision, despite not always having the chance to display it. In this lineup, he would act as the floor general and would thrive with multiple shooters. It may only be a collection of G League film, but watch Valentine show off his point ability.

The next substitution reinserts Dunn at point, but takes out LaVine. Holiday slides back to the shooting guard role and Valentine plays his small forward position. Parker comes back to spell Markkanen, who may need it by this point. Hoiberg can keep Portis at the 5 or insert Carter for defense.

Extending the leash for Valentine to run point would be a smart gamble.. He could help maintain offensive production while a combination of Dunn and Parker sit. This avoids stealing minutes from the blossoming Markkanen and still offers time to Portis, or even Hutchison if he can earn them.

Playing Parker at the 4 is vital. He is a walking mismatch for power forwards. Coming into his fourth year, Portis has to prove he can be a stretch-5. Although unlikely, the potential is frustratingly visible. In this playoff clip, Portis nails a 3-pointer, then sticks to Isaiah Thomas before blocking a shot.

If Hoiberg is willing to get creative, he can do more than keep all of his players happy. Hoiberg can unlock the playmaking of Valentine and scoring potential of Parker. The ingredients are all here for the Chicago Bulls to have a surprising season. It will take an extraordinary chef, however.

To recap, the Bulls must do three things. First, a frontcourt minutes-eater has to go, with Lopez being the likely and best candidate. Next, Carter must start. His development yearns for the playing time. Finally, Hoiberg must get creative with his lineup and trust his players in their expanded roles.