Bulls' coach Hoiberg runs down the roster
Early praise can't always be trusted. But when he was introduced as new head coach of the Bulls on Tuesday, Fred Hoiberg offered plenty of praise for the current roster.
Does that mean he doesn't think any changes are needed? No matter what Hoiberg thinks, the roster figures to be very similar next season. They'll build around three stars - Derrick Rose, Pau Gasol and Jimmy Butler - while bringing along younger players such as Nikola Mirotic, Doug McDermott and Tony Snell.
McDermott and Snell attended Tuesday's new conference, while Hoiberg said he met with Mirotic before it started.
"I think (the offensive plan) will be great for Derrick," Hoiberg said. "Derrick's obviously a guy who's at his best when he's playing downhill. If we can get the wings out running, you get that first big running to the rim, and you give Derrick space on the fast break, that's going to create a lot of opportunities.
"We run a lot of simple drag screens in transition with the floor spaced with shooters, where he can get in the paint and make plays. And that's where I think he's as good as anyone in the world at being that guy."
Hoiberg went on to outline his plan for Butler, a first-time all-star and winner of the NBA's Most Improved Player Award last season.
"I'm excited about Jimmy, obviously getting out and running on the wings," Hoiberg said. "Jimmy's an attack player. If you can get him the ball on the run, on the move, and attacking the basket with pace, I think it's an ideal system for him."
The biggest questions for the Bulls this summer are whether or not to bring back free agents Mike Dunleavy and Aaron Brooks, along with whether they need to change the mix of inside players, specifically Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson.
Dunleavy may not be back, simply because the Bulls want to see more of McDermott and Snell at small forward.
As far as the big men, Hoiberg made reference to being in the Timberwolves front office as they prepared for the 2007 draft. Hoiberg didn't point out that Minnesota chose Corey Brewer with the No. 7 selection, two picks before the Bulls grabbed Noah.
"When I watched Jo in the draft, I absolutely loved him because of his ability to playmake," Hoiberg said. "When you create space for him and allow him to be a passer and a playmaker, he can bust the ball up the floor after a rebound with guys who can knock down shots. We had a lot of success with that at Iowa State, using our bigs as playmakers in the open floor."
It is very unlikely the Bulls will trade Noah. He's been a popular face of the franchise while Rose recovered from two knee surgeries and may not be in high demand, with $14 million due on the final year of his contract.
Trading Gibson could seem logical in theory, but the Bulls don't really need more guards or wing players in return. They'd need another big man and it would be tough to upgrade in that scenario.
Hoiberg offered praise for Gibson, Gasol, Mirotic, Dunleavy, Brooks, even backup guard E'Twaun Moore. Hoiberg said he'll set out to talk to every player in the next few weeks.
"I love this roster. I absolutely love this roster," Hoiberg said. "I love the versatility of the players; the different lineups that we're going to be able to play. We can play small, can play big., You've got lineups that I really think can get out and play with pace. You've got a great group of veteran players that know how to play.
"You don't walk into a roster that has championship potential, that absolutely can compete at that level in a city that we know and a city that I think is as good a sports town as any in the world."
Hoiberg mentioned how he continued to watch NBA games during his free time while he coached at Iowa State. So he has a pretty good idea of what's been happening with the Bulls.
On Day One, it all sounds good. But Hoiberg knows there's work to do.
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