Chicago Bulls Post-Ben Gordon: Addition by Subtraction

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There was much debate about the identity of the Chicago Bulls when Ben Gordon signed with the rival Pistons last summer.  Experts, broadcasters, and most fans seemed to agree that Chicago would miss its leading scorer from the past four seasons. 

What no one saw coming was a fundamental shift in the complexion of the team.

Through six games this year the Bulls have four wins and are in first place (for the time being) in the Eastern Conference Central Division, ahead of Ben Gordon and his new teammates in Detroit. 

It may be early for this kind of talk, but gone are the days of top-of-the-key and baseline jumpers when the Bulls are down by five in the fourth quarter.  In the past, some of these jumpers went in and some missed.  When they went in, the opponent’s lead was cut in half.  When they missed, the Bulls would run back down to the end of the court and play a little defense (and I do mean a LITTLE). 

Chances are when they got the ball back they would be down seven…then nine….then 11.  When the Bulls didn’t shoot well they didn’t win.  Period.  We all know that jump shot teams don’t win championships in the NBA. 

So what have the Bulls become?

The Bulls still take their jump shots with Kirk Hinrich, Jannero Pargo, John Salmons, and occasionally Derrick Rose or a revived Luol Deng, but the offensive rebounding of Joakim Noah and their young forwards has been a difference maker thus far. 

When the now-decreased number of jumpshots go up, the Bulls attack the rim looking for a rebound. 

Another difference is the low-post passing game.  Clearly Brad Miller has rubbed off on Noah, as the passing around the basket and high percentage shots in the paint have increased.  Combine that with Rose, Salmons, and Hinrich’s ability to drive the basketball to the hole and you now have a more complete offensive team.

Don’t get me wrong: A MORE complete offensive team doesn’t mean a COMPLETE offensive team, it just means that the Bulls have broken away from their “Live-and-Die-by-the-Jumper” attitude. 

A team like the Celtics would be a great example of a complete offensive team.  The Bulls aren’t there yet.  They are still missing that Kevin Garnett-type player to put them over the top and become a serious contender. 

However, with Gordon out of the picture, the Bulls’ play is more balanced, which is something that can get you to the second round of the playoffs.   Also, Gordon’s departure speeds up Rose’s transition into the team leader that he will inevitably become. 

It seems to me that the departure of Gordon was a win-win for both sides.  Gordon gets his five-year, $55 million deal, which is what he REALLY wanted, and the Bulls get to save that money for the superstar free agent class of 2010. 

With the fundamental shift in offensive philosophy and plenty of expiring contracts, the Bulls should be primed and ready to make a run at Dwayne Wade next summer…which is exactly what they should be doing. 

Kick back and relax.  It’s going to be an entertaining year in Chicago. 

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