Less than 18 hours after the 5 game beatdown at the hands of the Heat, one Chicago Bulls blogger is already calling for a major shake-up:
The playoffs may have exposed what they are: Boozer, while clearly still hurt, only excels against mediocre competition. He doesn’t do well against bona fide talent. We already know he can’t defend, but now he’s been reduced to a one-trick pony on offense who can’t finish around the rim or on pick and roll.
Joakim Noah is essentially a blue-chip offensive rebounder, but he isn’t really the defensive savant that everyone thinks he is. He is not really a shot blocker or a go-up-and-get-it guy like Tyson Chandler or other hustle-minded centers. His offense has been reduced to a gliding left-handed hook. He was supposed to be the biggest advantage for this Bulls team against the Heat, and he turned out to be one of their biggest detriments. Omer Asik took valuable time from Noah as well.
I have hope for Noah; I don’t for Boozer.
Can they move Noah and Taj for something meaningful (keeping Asik and Boozer) or vice-versa? Look, if you’re not going to get any offensive production from Noah, then you might as well go with Asik since he protects the rim better, will have an offseason of work and can play the defense that Thibodeau likes.
Something meaningful in this case is Monta Ellis. Derrick Rose and Ellis would be the fastest backcourt in the history of the NBA. Not sure it would work though, both guys need to dominate the ball to be effective, right? And Monta is a slim 6-3 who will have a ton of trouble guarding bigger 2s… especially come playoff time.
I've been pointing out Boozer's deficiencies for years. I always thought he was a soft, front-running fraud. Fortunately for us, he's stuck in Chicago for the next four years.
Trading Noah would be foolish. He's only 26. His offensve will evolve. Plus, you must give Thibs and co. time to tweak the roster and get the players to gel.
What's the deal with bloggers and fans making snap decisions as soon as the season ends? Good thing you don't find that stuff on this site.
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