Noah thriving as Chicago Bulls' playmaker
One positive development for the Chicago Bulls during the last week or so is improved play from the second unit.
Typically, that group will keep all five players on the perimeter, with center Joakim Noah serving as the primary playmaker, stationed at the top of the key. Coach Fred Hoiberg talked about that plan before Wednesday's game.
"The big thing is drawing the other team's big away from the rim," Hoiberg said. "A lot of times teams aren't out there guarding him and that gives him naked handoff opportunities or going into a ball screen with a big man low where we can get into the paint and turn the corner. So he's done a wonderful job with that team."
What's funny to watch is when a player like Doug McDermott gets a defensive rebound, he'll immediately pass it over to Noah to bring the ball up.
"I remember bring a part of the (2007) draft when Joakim was in it, one of the things I absolutely loved about him was his ability to push the ball down the floor and playmake," Hoiberg said. "That's what he's done and the reason I think that group has had success lately."
Hoiberg worked in the Minnesota front office in 2007. The Timberwolves chose Corey Brewer with the No. 7 pick of that draft, leaving Noah for the Bulls at No. 9. Maybe Hoiberg got outvoted in the draft room.
Grizzlies change tactics:
Memphis continued a new tradition Wednesday, bringing power forward Zach Randolph off the bench. Coach Dave Joerger decided to break up the Grizzlies' power combo of Randolph and Marc Gasol three games ago.
Smaller, fast-paced lineups have become popular in the NBA and Memphis was one of the few teams to favor a slow-moving power game with two low-post threats. Joerger said the lineup switch wasn't necessarily a case of throwing in the towel and giving into small ball.
"We're struggling and needed something to get us going," he said. "We still play them a lot together. The other reason is they're the only two bigs on our roster right now and have been for quite some time, so it's very difficult to not have one of them on the floor at any one time.
"It's been very difficult and Marc's logged a lot of minutes. For me, it's easier to manage that situation where one of them has to be in all the time if they don't start together."
Hoiberg appreciates pros:
Fred Hoiberg was asked Wednesday to compare his experience of coaching the Bulls to the previous five years dealing with college players ta Iowa State.
"Honestly, this has been a great group to work with," he said. "They've been very receptive, similar to the team that I had the last five years. You can coach them, you can talk to them and point things out in the film session where the guys don't take it personal. I've been really happy with the guys. It's a great group."
Bull horns:
Wednesday's game was the 21st meeting between brothers Pau and Marc Gasol. Pau's teams held a 11-9 advantage heading into this one. … It was 1970s Night at the United Center, so the Bulls wore their vintage red uniforms with the cursive Chicago across the chest.