Chicago Bulls: Keys to Victory over Celtics.

I am not an NBA coach and never will be. I understand (and mostly hope) that Vinny Del Negro knows a whole lot more about basketball than I do. But I love basketball and especially my Bulls. And while purely from a fan’s perspective, I think the Bulls need to do the following (in classic Fanion bullet point style) to win the Celtics’ series.

1. I have always loved the triangle offense because it’s really a motion offense that forces players to think and react. There are really no set plays. Players move, cut and play off of each other without the need to look back at their coach for instructions on how to use their brain. The Bulls offense on the other hand, mainly consists of two plays: the high pick and roll with Derrick Rose and sideline screens to free up Gordon and Salmons. I’ve always been against the pick and roll or Stockton and Malone offense because it only allows two players to be involved in the offense, while the other three players sit around and watch. The pick and roll worked well during game 1 of the Celtics’ series, but Boston adapted and essentially stopped it from being effective in game 2. Namely, Brad Miller would set a high pick, Rose would feed him the ball, and Miller would start stumbling and eventual turn the ball over. The pick and roll should be used in some instances, but it shouldn’t be your offense 90% of the game. I submit that the Bulls need to diversify their offense to keep Boston on its back. A motion offense with guys cutting and screening would be beneficial, especially against a slower and older Boston team.

2. In addition, Derrick Rose doesn’t really need a pick to get passed his man. He’s faster and stronger than almost any NBA guard, including the now ankle-injured Rando. He doesn’t need a screen. Let him beat his man, one on one, forcing the defense to collapse and allowing for easy shots by the rest of the Bulls’ players.

3. To beat a dead horse in the ground, I suggest the Bulls’ stop using Brad Miller so much during games, and especially down the stretch. This isn’t the Brad Miller of 5 years ago. He is now slow, can’t jump and seems to lack confidence in his outside shot. I would only use Miller, at most, 20 minutes during the game. This would provide him enough time to make an impact and also keep his old-man legs fresh. Noah, Tyrus, and Tim Thomas (who for some reason hasn’t played in this series) should be more than enough to stop Glen Davis and Perkins.

4. Even I admit that this is not such a great idea. However, Salmons (who clearly looks like he is playing hurt), needs some help. Currently, we really have no other player that can play the 3-spot because Luol Deng is made of tin foil. I would suggest going big for brief periods of the game by either placing Tyrus Thomas or Tim Thomas on Paul Pierce. This would also solve our defensive rebounding problems as Tyrus or Tim could crash the boards. Placing foul-o-matic Kirk Hinrich on Pierce hasn’t been a viable option.

5. Lastly, even as a Tyrus Thomas fan, Del Negro needs to get on his ass for not snagging more defensive rebounds. Rebounding and defense are all about effort. Del Negro needs to sit Tyrus down and remind him of his main job to grab rebounds on both ends of the floor. Tyrus should be reminded that there is no reason why Glen Davis (the other LSU tiger) should be outplaying him. I realize that this recommendation appears overly simplistic. But sometimes a “keep it simple stupid” approach does work. Offering Tyrus the bargain that he’ll play 40 minutes a game only if he grabs 12 or more rebounds, would be encouragement enough. Plus, I am of the opinion (albeit a minority opinion) that Tyrus does care about winning (ever notice how he is always yelling, clapping, and pumping his fists while on the bench in support of his teammates). In the past, the media has oversimplified Tyrus and Noah as lazy and spoiled players. I am of the belief that they are neither, but are simply young, inexperienced and un-coached players. A great coach would get Tyrus to commit to rebounding. The guy blocked 6 shots in game 2, effort isn’t his problem.

Based on the way the series has gone so far, I think the Bulls win Game 3. The energy in the stadium and hopefully some reciprocal home court refereeing should give the Bulls the edge. Let’s just hope Del Negro knows what he is doing.