How Will Chicago Bulls Score Without Derrick Rose?

The Chicago Bulls’ offense struggled to score points even when Derrick Rose was back in the lineup. So how will Tom Thibodeau’s defensive-minded squad score enough points to win consistently now that D-Rose is done for the year following season-ending knee surgery?

In two games since the superstar point guard went down with a meniscus tear, the Bulls have scored 82 points and 83 points, respectively (they needed overtime to reach the latter number).

In the first half of the overtime loss against the Utah Jazz, Chicago posted a measly 32 points. They displayed no semblance of offensive chemistry and lost to one of the league’s worst teams as a result.

Kirk Hinrich couldn’t get into any sort of rhythm against the Jazz, finishing with one point on 0-of-4 shooting to go with four assists. The veteran point guard is still a solid defender, but he isn’t a playmaker and can’t create his own shot.

Luol Deng is a solid offensive talent. However, he doesn’t have the lateral quickness needed to beat defenders on drives to the basket. That was on full display against Utah when Chicago had a chance to win the game in regulation.

Deng couldn’t create a good look for himself as he drove directly into the body of Richard Jefferson. He missed a contested jump shot on that final possession.

The offensive repertoires of Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson are extremely limited, which leaves Carlos Boozer as the No. 1 option.

Considering that the Bulls replaced Nate Robinson and Marco Belinelli with Mike Dunleavy and rookie Tony Snell during the 2013 offseason, it’s going to be extremely difficult for Chicago to find scoring sans Rose.

Because of this, the Bulls need to rely heavily on mismatches, as they did at times during the game against Utah.

Find Mismatches

On the game’s first possession against the Jazz, Boozer posted up Marvin Williams for an easy bucket in the lane. The power forward audibly shouted “too small!” after scoring the basket, pointing out the mismatch with Williams guarding him.

Additionally, Deng was able to post up the smaller Gordon Hayward and bully him down low in the fourth quarter.

The Bulls no longer have D-Rose to slash to the bucket and free up shooters. As a result, constant motion and pick-and-roll scenarios will be necessary in order to create favorable matchups.

Turn Defense into Offense

While the Bulls entered their most recent game with the league’s 27th ranked offense—scoring 92.5 points per game—their defense ranked fourth, allowing just 93.1 points per contest.

Chicago needs to use its biggest strength to find scoring opportunities in transition. This will be difficult because Deng, Boozer, Noah and Gibson are not known for getting up and down, but the Bulls simply have to find offense from any feasible source.

Even if they can’t score breakaway layups each time they force a turnover or grab a defensive rebound, the transition offense can create open three-point looks for guys like Dunleavy and Snell.

More Responsibility for “Jimmy Buckets”

Jimmy Butler has missed the past four games due to turf toe, per Nick Friedell of ESPN. Getting him back in the lineup can’t come soon enough for Coach Thibodeau.

In nine starts this season, Butler is averaging a career-high 11.2 points per game to go with a career-high 38.5 percent shooting clip from beyond the arc.

When the 24-year-old is ready to return to the court, the Bulls' coaching staff should seriously consider giving him the reigns within the offense. Perhaps added responsibilities would trigger a meteoric rise, a la Paul George of the Indiana Pacers.

Butler has been tremendous from a defensive standpoint this season, holding opponents to a production rating of 4.4 for a net production of positive-13.1, according to 82games.com. If other Bulls players can shoulder the defensive load, it could allow Butler to save his energy for the offensive end instead.

Needless to say, the Bulls' offense is in dire straights right now. In fact, there’s a good chance this team may not even make the playoffs in the weak Eastern Conference.

Jumping to conclusions following one bad loss in a back-to-back scenario isn’t wise, but this Bulls team has looked truly deflated following Rose’s second major knee injury.

Simply put, they may not have enough left in the tank (physically and mentally) to overcome the hurdle of his absence.