Bulls' new foundation: Boylen's defense-first philosophy
This is all pretty obvious information, but the Bulls took a sharp turn in strategy when they changed head coaches on Dec. 4.
Former coach Fred Hoiberg felt the best way to get good shots was to push the pace and get open looks before the defense has a chance to get set, then utilize the 3-point shot the way the most successful NBA teams have in recent years.
New coach Jim Boylen believes the foundation begins with defense and has made that his focus. The Bulls have a better record since Boylen took over (5-8 vs. 5-19), but they've also gotten several important players back from injury.
The Bulls' rebuild will be a success if they are championship contenders within five years, no matter how they get there. It could be through offense, defense or losing their way to landing a star in the draft.
Boylen's plan extends to individuals as well as the team. Rookie forward Chandler Hutchison and guard Shaq Harrison have become mainstays in the rotation because they've worked hard on defense. The hope is with more playing time, they will eventually become better scorers.
On Sunday in Toronto, Hutchison hit all 5 of his shot attempts and scored 11 points. It was his second double-figure scoring game this season and 1 point short of his career-high.
After the game, Boylen talked about Hutchison trying to follow the Jimmy Butler career path. Butler barely played as a Bulls rookie in 2011-12, but started out as a defensive specialist who grew into a well-rounded all-star.
"You have to get an identity in this league first," Boylen said. "Whatever that identity is, sometimes it's effort, toughness, maybe you're a shooter and then you work on your ability to drive the ball. I want them to have an identity of a defender, a rebounder, and then I also think he can be a push guy, handle the ball a little bit and he can drive the ball.
"What I talk about is my experiences with Kawhi Leonard, who was a defensive stopper first. Paul George was a stopper first and then Jimmy Butler was a stopper first. I was able to coach those guys and be around them. That's what we talk to them about."
The Bulls added Harrison off waivers from Phoenix early in the regular season. He's been an impressive defender, ranking second behind Russell Westbrook in steals per minute played, but had a four-game stretch in late November when he went 0-for-16 from the field.
In December, Harrison shot 47.9 percent from the field and a reasonable 37.5 percent from 3-point range, while averaging 6.1 points.
"You've got to spend the time in this gym and also get the reps in games," Harrison said recently when asked about his improved offensive game. "I think as time goes on, that comes with more minutes, more opportunities comes with it as well."
With Boylen asking the players to give a better defensive effort, he obviously feels there can't be any exceptions, which is why Jabari Parker disappeared on the bench and hasn't played in the last eight games.
It is safe to say the Bulls are playing better defense than anyone thought was possible. Since the record-setting 56-point loss to Boston on Dec. 8, the Bulls rank second in the NBA in points allowed (99.3), sixth in defensive field-goal percentage (. 429) and sixth in defensive rating (104.2). Of course, they're last in offensive rating and 29th in pace, but Boylen's goal is to figure out the defense first.
Twitter: @McGrawDHBulls