Post by BTriggs on Aug 13, 2003 15:43:19 GMT -5
Shape of things for Bulls: Less triangle, more running
Wednesday, August 13, 2003
By Paul Ladewski
Staff writer
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It might not be as momentous as the running of the bulls, but the running of the Bulls could prove to be far more popular among players and fans alike.
When the Bulls open training camp next month, the emphasis will be on a faster pace that plays to the strengths of Jamal Crawford and rookie Kirk Hinrich in the backcourt, as well as Tyson Chandler, Scottie Pippen, Eddie Robinson, Jalen Rose and, at times, even Eddy Curry on the wings.
"One of our priorities will be to push the ball more next season," general manager John Paxson said. "That is something that (Coach) Bill (Cartwright) wants to do. He wants to run more."
The quicker pace won't come a minute too soon for several Bulls players, a number of whom have complained privately and publicly in the past about the restrictive nature of the triangle offense.
While the triple-post offense won't be scrapped entirely, it may be used less than in the past.
"We have so many guys who can run the floor well, it makes sense to take advantage of their athleticism," Crawford said. "We can put a lot of pressure on defenses that way."
Last season the Bulls found it difficult to contain opponents in the halfcourt game, in which a lack of physical strength and experience left them vulnerable all too often. The Bulls ranked 15th the NBA in opponent field-goal percentage and 29th — dead last —in free throws allowed.
At the same time, a reluctance to run left them ill-equipped to compete against more mobile Western Conference opponents. The Bulls finished with an 8-20 record vs. Western Conference teams compared to a 22-32 mark against the Eastern Conference rivals.
In theory at least, a faster pace will allow the offense to score more easy baskets and force opponents to advance the ball the length of the court after a field goal or a free throw. That is, if the Bulls rebound well enough to trigger the break.
The makeover played a role in the decision to draft Hinrich in June. At Kansas, Hinrich was the floor leader of a perennial national contender that thrived on an up-tempo offense, a fact that wasn't lost on Cartwright and his staff. Hinrich played four seasons there, the last three as a starter.
"Kirk has got some skills and talent," Cartwright said. "He has got experience and played in a system that we would like to play."
Hinrich was especially effective as a ball distributor, penetrator and pull-up jump shooter on the fast break. As a senior last season he averaged 3.5 assists per game and converted 41 percent of his 3-point attempts and 48 percent of his shots overall.
"Kirk can push the basketball and play in the system we want," Paxson said. "He can attack the basket and do a lot of things that people may not give him credit for. He will be the type of player who will play very well with our two big young kids (Chandler and Curry). He'll be good in the open floor with them. Those are valuable assets for the direction we want to go."
In either Crawford or Hinrich or both, the Bulls are assured to have at least one push guard on the court virtually at all times.
"Kirk is similar to Jamal in the sense that he's a very good shooter and passer and push man," Cartwright said. "He fits us really well. The thing is, the kid has had four years of (college), so he is mature and knows what he can do on a basketball floor."
Bulls coaches also are intrigued by the potential of swing forward Tommy Smith, particularly if the Arizona State product can fill out his 6-foot-10, 215-pound frame.
The second-round draft pick averaged 11.2 points per game on 49 percent shooting from the field as a senior last season.
"He's a wing runner with great athletic tools," Paxson said. "We want to take a good look at him as well."
More than 20 NBA players will take part in the Jalen Rose Foundation Charity All-Star Game at 3 p.m. on Sunday at the United Center.
Rhythm-and-blues vocalist Ashanti will perform at halftime.
Proceeds will benefit The Greater Chicago Food Depository, Special Olympics Illinois, the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, Chicago Public Schools and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Tickets can be purchased at the United Center and Ticketmaster outlets.
Wednesday, August 13, 2003
By Paul Ladewski
Staff writer
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It might not be as momentous as the running of the bulls, but the running of the Bulls could prove to be far more popular among players and fans alike.
When the Bulls open training camp next month, the emphasis will be on a faster pace that plays to the strengths of Jamal Crawford and rookie Kirk Hinrich in the backcourt, as well as Tyson Chandler, Scottie Pippen, Eddie Robinson, Jalen Rose and, at times, even Eddy Curry on the wings.
"One of our priorities will be to push the ball more next season," general manager John Paxson said. "That is something that (Coach) Bill (Cartwright) wants to do. He wants to run more."
The quicker pace won't come a minute too soon for several Bulls players, a number of whom have complained privately and publicly in the past about the restrictive nature of the triangle offense.
While the triple-post offense won't be scrapped entirely, it may be used less than in the past.
"We have so many guys who can run the floor well, it makes sense to take advantage of their athleticism," Crawford said. "We can put a lot of pressure on defenses that way."
Last season the Bulls found it difficult to contain opponents in the halfcourt game, in which a lack of physical strength and experience left them vulnerable all too often. The Bulls ranked 15th the NBA in opponent field-goal percentage and 29th — dead last —in free throws allowed.
At the same time, a reluctance to run left them ill-equipped to compete against more mobile Western Conference opponents. The Bulls finished with an 8-20 record vs. Western Conference teams compared to a 22-32 mark against the Eastern Conference rivals.
In theory at least, a faster pace will allow the offense to score more easy baskets and force opponents to advance the ball the length of the court after a field goal or a free throw. That is, if the Bulls rebound well enough to trigger the break.
The makeover played a role in the decision to draft Hinrich in June. At Kansas, Hinrich was the floor leader of a perennial national contender that thrived on an up-tempo offense, a fact that wasn't lost on Cartwright and his staff. Hinrich played four seasons there, the last three as a starter.
"Kirk has got some skills and talent," Cartwright said. "He has got experience and played in a system that we would like to play."
Hinrich was especially effective as a ball distributor, penetrator and pull-up jump shooter on the fast break. As a senior last season he averaged 3.5 assists per game and converted 41 percent of his 3-point attempts and 48 percent of his shots overall.
"Kirk can push the basketball and play in the system we want," Paxson said. "He can attack the basket and do a lot of things that people may not give him credit for. He will be the type of player who will play very well with our two big young kids (Chandler and Curry). He'll be good in the open floor with them. Those are valuable assets for the direction we want to go."
In either Crawford or Hinrich or both, the Bulls are assured to have at least one push guard on the court virtually at all times.
"Kirk is similar to Jamal in the sense that he's a very good shooter and passer and push man," Cartwright said. "He fits us really well. The thing is, the kid has had four years of (college), so he is mature and knows what he can do on a basketball floor."
Bulls coaches also are intrigued by the potential of swing forward Tommy Smith, particularly if the Arizona State product can fill out his 6-foot-10, 215-pound frame.
The second-round draft pick averaged 11.2 points per game on 49 percent shooting from the field as a senior last season.
"He's a wing runner with great athletic tools," Paxson said. "We want to take a good look at him as well."
More than 20 NBA players will take part in the Jalen Rose Foundation Charity All-Star Game at 3 p.m. on Sunday at the United Center.
Rhythm-and-blues vocalist Ashanti will perform at halftime.
Proceeds will benefit The Greater Chicago Food Depository, Special Olympics Illinois, the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, Chicago Public Schools and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Tickets can be purchased at the United Center and Ticketmaster outlets.