Q12543 wrote:The Bulls are in great shape and have better depth than Cleveland. They added a couple of offensive weapons this offseason to go along with their stifling defense. And, oh yeah, Rose is back. They are a really, really good team. So good, in fact, that they really didn't even have to make a trade for Love.
If there are questions about continuity on the Cavs team how can the same not be said for the Bulls? Rose hasnt been around for a couple years and whi knows if he can stay healthy, a Euro that will have to make the transition to the american game and a rookie whos gonna take his lumps cuz hes a rookie. On paper they look the part, but why the assumption that the Cavs will be the ones who struggle to put it all together?
Why the hell do you have Gibson as small forward? Either him or Gasol will come off the bench, and it's looking like Gasol forming a duo with Mirotic. Rose-Butler-Dunleavy-Gibson-Noah is likely what we'll see. Maybe come playoff time McDermott has climbed into the starting lineup. Can't count on that, though.
Also, Noah would not guard Love if Varejao is on the floor. They'd just throw Gibson on him. Nobody in the league can shut down Love on offense. You can make it tough on him, but he's going to get his. A top scorer, top player in the league. Let's please stop undervaluing the guy.
Butler would be the guy guarding LeBron, and he does a good job, but LeBron is still the best player in the world and has an argument for top-five player to ever touch a basketball. He's going to get his. In fact, LeBron got his in the Finals last year with Kawhi guarding him. It was his supporting cast that failed him on both ends of the floor. Again, please don't undervalue a top (the best) player in basketball.
The Bulls have had great success in defending LeBron in the past mainly because of their bigs' ability to play help defense. Not to mention both Noah and Gibson can switch on perimeter players if need be as well. Love is going to create so many problems for Thibs it's not even funny. He's a top notch coach, and he'll do his very best to slow the two down, but it is NOT going to be as simple as you make it out to be. Then there's the added issue of Irving on offense. That's an elite threesome of offensive firepower. Good luck.
Pork, The Bulls aren't losing a single guy that contributed to them being the #2 defense in the league last season, most importantly, their head coach And they have consistently been a top tier defense ever since Thibs came on board. That gives them an enormous head start over Cleveland.
Their primary issue last season was offense. But we're talking about adding a former MVP in Rose, an excellent high-low post threat in Gasol, and a very polished rookie in Doug McDermott. And they won 48 games last year without any of these guys!
Assuming they stay healthy, I don't see how Cleveland can match up with them. Again though, the key will be health.
Having 3 guys in Noah Gibson and even Gasol that can protect the rim helps every defender.
One thing I think its going to be interesting if Lebron has lost a chunk of weight is if that makes him quicker and even more explosive. In the past few years he was like a bull with unreal athletic ability and skill. I could see him this year being more of a MJ type athlete guy out there that will be hard to stay with at all. He may be a terror on defense with less weight and only guarding perimeter guys. It could be a really interesting development and I think its was really smart to drop the weight it will likely lengthen his career.
Q12543 wrote:Pork, The Bulls aren't losing a single guy that contributed to them being the #2 defense in the league last season, most importantly, their head coach And they have consistently been a top tier defense ever since Thibs came on board. That gives them an enormous head start over Cleveland.
Their primary issue last season was offense. But we're talking about adding a former MVP in Rose, an excellent high-low post threat in Gasol, and a very polished rookie in Doug McDermott. And they won 48 games last year without any of these guys!
Assuming they stay healthy, I don't see how Cleveland can match up with them. Again though, the key will be health.
That number 2 D got shredded in the playoffs by Nene and Wall. Subtract those two with Love and Kyrie. Now add the best player in the league. yea
