One of the best qualities of the 2014-15 Bulls team is the versatility built into the roster. Here's some lineups I put together that could prove troublesome for teams league-wide:
Rose/Snell/Butler/Gasol/Noah
Offense: I think the Bulls open the season with this lineup, mostly because Rose wouldn't be required to penetrate to the hoop at the beginning of the game. Butler would actually be the weak link offensively, but he’d only need to improve his corner 3-point shooting for this lineup to work. They could run triangle actions easily on either side of the floor, especially since Gasol is already familiar with the system. Snell would work well off Rose in flex sets, especially since he can pull up from 3 after one dribble. The loop action (from the Spurs) would be devastating, giving Rose an open look to the basket and multiple options for passing. Also, this lineup is tailor-made for horns sets, which would utilize the passing of both Gasol and Noah.
Defense: Above average, that’s for sure. They’ve got wingspan and height and overall speed working in their favor. Thibs’ defensive principles might be difficult for Gasol to grasp at first, and he’ll need to work on his speed and timing in order to corral shooters into taking longer shots. However, Gasol’s pterodactyl-like wingspan will disrupt passing lanes and his height will enable him to sag lower to contain quicker drivers. He’ll also have two excellent wing defenders in Butler and Snell, so he’ll rarely face a sprinting driver one-on-one. He’ll also be playing next to the 2013 Defensive Player of the Year in Noah.
Overall: Excellent balance in this roster. It allows Rose to play off the ball as a cutter and spacing shooter, saving him valuable energy for when he has to create in more defensive lineups. It also works well overall defensively. Also you could switch Snell with Dunleavy if you want to gain a rebounding edge.
Brooks/Snell/McDermott/Mirotic/Gibson
Offense: That’s a hell of a lot of shooting for Bench Mob 2.0. What I love about this lineup is that it forces opposing teams to play a starter or two for extra minutes in order to defend the sheer volume of shooting this lineup provides. It also embraces the heart of what Thibodeau wants to do on offense: inside-out and side-to-side. Snell and McDermott already showed a bit of that magic during the Summer League, getting each other open looks with a basic side-to-side two-man game on the wing. They also have three players (McDermott, Mirotic and Gibson) who can take the ball into post. But the most terrifying action will be the Brooks/Gibson pick and roll. They’ll have three shooters waiting for the ball and one of them will almost certainly be open if they don’t want Brooks or Gibson to finish at the rim.
Defense: As long as McDermott and Mirotic aren’t on the same side of the floor and as long as they don’t allow middle penetration, they’ll be fine. Collectively, they should be quick and smart enough to challenge the easy passes for which second units typically look. If McDermott and Mirotic can add strength this summer in the gym, they’ll also be able to prevent post scorers from backing them into the paint.
Overall: Their weakness on defense is swallowed by the terror their offense will invoke. Again, you could substitute Dunleavy for Snell if you want more rebounding.
Rose/Brooks/Butler/Gibson/Noah
Offense: Speed kills. The point of this offense? Attack the rim as much and often as possible. If you want an opposing player in foul trouble, this is the lineup to do it. Also, if these five get out in transition, assume the ball is going in the hoop. The offense is balanced well with ball handling, shooting, cutting, and passing.
Defense: If Thibodeau can’t figure out how to hide Brooks in this lineup, then the Bulls might as well call Fred Hoiberg now.
Overall: You could close a game with these five.
Hinrich/Snell/McDermott/Gibson/Gasol
Offense: This lineup could see a lot of play at the end of the first and third quarter. Your primary option is to get the ball to Gasol in the post. If that doesn’t work, you have Hinrich and Snell who can work from the wing and McDermott as a safety valve if everything falls apart. Gibson is also an attractive option in the post. They can run the loop and flex action for McDermott or Snell and they would also benefit from basic triangle sets to get Gibson and Gasol in good post position.
Defense: You have two good backcourt defenders in Hinrich and Snell and rim protection with Gibson. And again, you would have a size advantage on a lot of teams without giving up too much speed and maintaining a respectable shooting presence.
Overall: If these players remain healthy, I could see Thibodeau using this set in playoff situations where he would want to rest Rose, Butler and Noah. Again, balance is key. You have good passing, shooting, rim protection and adequate defense.
Rose/Butler/Dunleavy/Mirotic/Noah
Offense: The point of this whole lineup is to implement the high pick and roll with Rose and Noah. If they can figure out that basic action, then they could end up with an open, high percentage shot every time they run it. Butler and Dunleavy stand in the corners. Mirotic stays close to the rim. Once Rose uses the pick set by Noah, Mirotic sprints out to either corner and Butler/Dunleavy sprints to the top of the key. If they throw a big at Rose to stop his drive or to bump Noah on his way to the rim, then one of the other three shooters will be open. If the big man sags low to contain, Rose can dump it off to one of the best passing big men in the league for either an open 16-footer or an opportunity to create an open look for Rose. Basically, Rose and Noah will have the entire lane to create a high percentage look and only two defenders to stop them.
Defense: You lose a little defense here because the collective footspeed isn’t great, but you still have capable wing defenders in Butler and Dunleavy and a rim protector in Noah. They’ll get themselves in trouble if they gamble for steals and they’ll need to double team if Mirotic or Dunleavy has to defend the post. However, Thibodeau’s defensive principles should work well for these five.
Overall: If a big or a wing defender gets in foul trouble, this lineup should provide plenty of offensive and defensive capability to steady the ship. It also allows Rose to do what he does best: drive into the lane and score.
Rose/Butler/McDermott/Gibson/Noah
Overall: I'm essentially putting McDermott in the role Carmelo Anthony would have occupied had he signed in Chicago. Ask yourself: Do the Bulls gain $16 million worth of offense and defense from putting Carmelo Anthony in McDermott's role? I don't think so. I really don't. If you trotted out this lineup against the 2015 Cavaliers, and if LeBron covers Rose in crunch time, then who covers McDermott? Who prevents Butler from crashing the rim? Who fights Gibson in the post?
Smile wide, Bulls fans. The East is ours for the taking.
What are your suggestions for possible Bulls lineups?
