Chicago Bulls: Development Plans for Each Rotation Player Going into Next Season
The 2010-2011 Chicago Bulls overachieved. Most people predicted the Bulls to finish fourth or fifth in the Eastern Conference. Instead, they had the best record (62-20), the MVP and the Coach Of The Year.
Even with all of the accolades and overachievement, the Bulls were ousted by a better team in the Eastern Conference Finals.
So now, what can be done to improve? On good young teams, the vital players on the roster need to commit themselves to honing and development their skills. This allows for a true realization of potential for a talented core.
The following should be the development plan for each Bulls regular rotation player.
Kurt Thomas
1 of 11
For a player of his age and experience (39 years old, 16-year career) his biggest challenge is to stay in shape.
"Big Sexy" gave the Bulls all they could have expected and more last season. Staying in shape will keep him ready when called upon next season.
Truly, there are no new wrinkles he'll realistically be able to add, what you see is what you get with Thomas. It certainly was enough this year. Though he is a free agent, the Bulls would be smart to bring him back next season.
It'll probably be at an affordable rate and developing Kurt as a future assistant coach is likely his biggest value to the organization going forward.
Omer Asik
2 of 11
Asik is on his way to becoming a defensive stalwart. This is generally the maturation process for young big men. Omer is still a bit more advanced defensively than most.
He keeps his arms up, maximizing his extreme length. He stays on his feet and doesn't fall for head fakes.
These defensive tendencies have allowed him to play experienced post players straight up getting leeway from NBA officials. These things make him extremely valuable.
This value extends across the league, as Asik's name consistently comes up in a trade rumors. If he does stay in the Bulls organization, Asik should be doing two-a-day training sessions at the Berto Center.
The first session devoted to mid-range jump shots and the second session should be all about footwork in the post. Asik could also stand to add some bulk to his long frame. It will aid him offensively and defensively.
If the Bulls are to keep Omer, he needs to develop in to a complete NBA center. He'll never be a 20-point per game player, but 14 and 10 with two blocks per contest is reachable.
Taj Gibson
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The development plan for Taj is very similar to Asik. He is further along defensively than he is on the offensive end.
That said, Taj has more offensive foundation than Omer. Gibson has a semi-dependable 15-foot jump shot and an up-and-under post move that he can finish with a baby hook or lay-in.
Gibson is also highly valued around the league, so the Bulls have a dilemma with him as well. They must decide if his upside is worth holding on to or if moving him to another team to obtain a shooting guard is in the teams' best interest.
If he stays, composure on the offensive end is essential. Taj sometimes is a man without a plan in the halfcourt set.
This leads to turnovers as he is at times overly aggressive due to his high motor. He is extremely coach-able so his development could be easiest to approach.
One more dependable post move (fade-away, spin-move, left hand hook) just might make Carlos Boozer expendable. Right now, you'd have to hesitate moving Boozer as Gibson isn't an offensive threat at this point in his career.
The Bulls didn't lose to Miami because of defense, they lost because of a lack of offensive threats.
C.J. Watson
4 of 11
When the Bulls signed C.J. Watson, I was anticipating a player that would give Derrick Rose a blow and be aggressive offensively. He did provide Rose a breather, but he was not aggressive at all this season or in the playoffs.
He seemed tentative offensively most of the season, but defensively, he was better than I expected. CJ must make an impact on the game by forcing the issue when Rose sits down.
Driving to the basket scoring, going to the line and creating for his teammates should be priority. The Bulls bench is outstanding defensively, but offensively they just attempt to hold their place until the starters come back.
The reserves aren't aggressive and that needs to start with Watson.
Ronnie Brewer
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The Bulls defensive stopper at the two guard showed some offensive prowess in flashes in the regular season and playoffs. The three-ball is what his game lacks most.
He has an odd shooting motion, but if he truly wants to have an opportunity to start for the Bulls, he must be a 35 percent three-point shooter or better. The opportunities are there for him if he has that type of shooting ceiling.
This improvement isn't likely, thus Brewer is destined to remain a reserve or be packaged for a more complete shooting guard.
Kyle Korver
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Kyle Korver is the very essence of a static talent. He shoots the three ... that's it. He is a terrible defender and it's not because he lacks effort.
He has the worst foot speed of any NBA player i've ever seen. Most opposing players are offended when Korver is assigned to them.
With Korver you must decide if he'll score enough to offset being lit-up like a Christmas tree sale on the Fourth of July. The best development Korver can hope for is to encourage David Stern to institute a rule where every time he passes halfcourt, Ronnie Brewer runs on the floor to defend for him.
Keith Bogans
7 of 11
Bogans was much maligned through the beginning of the regular season. Through that, Bogans played well by his standards in the postseason.
He may be moved in a deal this offseason, but if he isn't he must continue to play aggressively on the offensive end. As the season and postseason progressed, he had stopped passing up open looks at the arc.
He seemed to be looking for his shot later in the playoffs. This must continue, but a pump fake and side-step three or drive-off the ball fake could be effective.
Foot speed is not Bogans' forte but a drive will always create a need for the defense to rotate. This creates space and opportunity for his teammates.
Joakim Noah
8 of 11
Noah is one of Bulls' fans favorite players. He plays with high energy and he is charismatic.
Still, the reality of the situation is that he is another player that may have to be dealt for the Bulls to take the next step.
To say Noah is valued around the league is an understatement. Who wouldn't value a 7-footer with energy, great passing ability, good athleticism and attitude?
This is the very reason he may be the prime candidate to add the missing link. The Bulls must be careful not to cut off their arm to reach their toes.
As far as development, Noah of the freaky jump shot mechanics, could work to make that shot more consistent. If Boozer stays, I want Noah to stay away from honing his post game.
There isn't enough room on the block for both of them. Noah will never be adept enough on the block to place Boozer at the free-throw line for a high-low offensive philosophy.
That said, the jumper is the key offensively. On defense, for as good as he is now, Noah struggles with the physical centers in the league.
Adding bulk and strength will help him in this area.
Carlos Boozer
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"The Big Outburst" had a tough season to say the least. He struggled with injury all year and then with dissatisfied Bulls fans and media.
Boozer's defense was the biggest target of ridicule. Boozer's offense will be fine, he has been an offensive threat in the league for a decade.
This isn't gonna just change overnight, after all he averaged 18 points per game in the regular season. Boozer knows the game. He went to Duke for four years: he knows defense.
If he is to be apart of this team, with this coaching staff, he must make defense a priority. He must start the season fast and healthy.
Stay away from gym bags, Aldi bags, bags under his eyes, whatever. He needs to be ready on opening night.
A fast start will go a long way to making his detractors forget his rough finish, until the playoffs begin.
Luol Deng
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"Gluol" was the Bulls second most valuable player. Second on the team in scoring, the Bulls best defender and recipient of the toughest defensive matchup most nights.
As good as he was this season, the best thing Deng could add to his offensive repertoire is a post game. He has the frame, wing-span and shooting touch.
He added the dependable three-ball, now the road to a 22-point per game season is on the block. When he is matched up against most small forwards Deng should have the advantage in the post.
He would be adding a easier, less energy taxing scoring option to his game. Lastly, LeBron James, Joe Johnson, Paul Pierce and Carmelo Anthony would have to work harder on defense.
Derrick Rose
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The MVP, for all his greatness, perhaps has the most room for improvement. This is due primarily to his ridiculously high ceiling of potential.
Rose must continue to develop his outside shot. It almost completely abandoned him in the postseason.
He has to be able to make defenders pay for sagging off of him, even in the postseason. Rose also must improve his decision making in the halfcourt set.
There are times where he throws passes with no recognition of who is on the floor on the opposing team. When ball hawks like Wade, LeBron and Rajon Rondo are on the floor, your passes must be crisp and decisive.
Last but not least, his defense, though improved still has a ways to go. He is decent when his man has the ball, even though he leaves his feet too much, Derrick you're not a shot-blocker.
When his man doesn't have the ball, Roses' mind tends to wander. The best thing about all of these areas of opportunity is that Rose is perhaps the most coachable star I've ever seen.
I have little doubt most or all of these things will be addressed and improved.
