What to do about inconsistent Chicago Bulls
Off to an 0-2 start in their stretch of four games in five nights, the Chicago Bulls took Wednesday off before flying to Philadelphia, where the busy schedule resumes Thursday.
So this is a good time to pick out some relevant questions and try to provide answers:
Q: Is Derrick Rose's latest knee problem cause for concern?
A: It might be. To recap, Rose played well in the first half Tuesday at Milwaukee but left the floor about 2:30 into the third quarter. After riding the exercise bike for a while, Rose checked back in at the 5:49 mark of the fourth quarter and left a little more than two minutes later.
The Bulls called the injury left patellar tendinitis. It might be a short-term issue, but that's an injury that can be painful and tough to get rid of. Danny Granger missed nearly a full season in 2012-13 with a similar problem.
After the game, Rose said he wasn't concerned. This is definitely something he needs to pay attention to, though, and take care of.
Q: Does Pau Gasol need time off?
A: There were reports Wednesday that Gasol did not make the trip to Philadelphia. He's bothered by a sore shoulder and Achilles tendon. After playing 64 minutes Monday and Tuesday, Gasol likely needs a break.
Gasol is still putting up good numbers. His scoring was down in the Milwaukee game (10 points), but he has collected double-digit rebounds in five of the last six contests, as well as 4 blocks against the Bucks.
Q: What is wrong with the Bulls all of the sudden?
A: Things were going well with six straight wins last week, and the Bulls seemed to step forward as the second-best team in the East. Now they've lost three in a row and again we're asking how it all went wrong.
Here's the short version: This team simply gets complacent too often. Whether that's not bringing the proper energy to a home game against an inferior opponent or getting casual with the ball or not following the game plan, the Bulls just can't stay on an even keel.
The loss in Milwaukee was a four-quarter roller coaster. They started well, built a quick 11-point lead, then relaxed and watched the Bucks take an 8-point advantage in the third quarter.
At that point, the Bulls seemed to be knocked into an angry state and answered with a quick 10-0 run.
But they ultimately stopped moving the ball and decided they could win the game individually.
Bad shots and bad ideas led to a series of Milwaukee fastbreak opportunities, and the Bulls learned the hard way how tough it is to stop Giannis "Greek Freak" Antetokounmpo once he gets a head of steam.
Q: Should coach Fred Hoiberg makes some changes?
A: Well, given how the Bulls seem to lose focus quickly, Hoiberg might choose to shuffle the lineup at regular intervals, just to keep players on their toes.
Realistically, though, the Bulls' roster is strong enough to state its case as the NBA's fourth-best team, after Golden State, San Antonio and Cleveland. Climbing any higher might require some luck, but the Bulls have it in them to be very good. The challenge is getting the most out of this group.
As we've discussed before, everyone gets along on this team. But the dynamic with Jimmy Butler, Rose, Gasol, Nikola Mirotic and sometimes Aaron Brooks all thinking they have what it takes to get that big basket the team needs, they often stop working together.
Q: Any reasons for optimism?
A: The confident, aggressive Tony Snell has appeared only briefly this season. But when he shows up and scores 17 points at Milwaukee, he looks pretty good. A more consistent Snell would make a nice permanent addition.
Q: Will Tom Thibodeau be the next coach of the Brooklyn Nets?
A: The New York Daily News reported the Nets are interested, and Thibodeau is a Northeast native. But considering the rebuild ahead for Brooklyn, the feeling here is Thibodeau waits for a better offer.
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