The NBA’s 53rd All-Star Game was played Sunday night at the Madison Square Garden, in New York City. After being knotted at 122 through 3 quarters, the Western Conference All-Stars managed to pull away in the final quarter, eventually winning, 163-158. Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook scored 41 points and took home game MVP honors, and Cleveland Cavaliers small forward LeBron James led the East with 30 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists. Power forward/center Pau Gasol, the Chicago Bulls‘ lone All-Star Game starter, finished with 10 points and 12 rebounds, and Bulls’ guard Jimmy Butler, making his very first All-Star Game appearance, came off the bench to score 6 points and pick up 2 steals. Now that the break is over, legitimate title contenders will begin to make a final push towards the NBA crown while all others will look towards the future.
For the Bulls (34-20, 1st in Central Division), the first half could be seen as a mixed bag.
On one hand, the Bulls’ offense finished in the league’s top 10 in both points per game (102.2, 9th of 30) and Offensive Rating (108.3, 8th of 30). Although there are still 28 games left on the Bulls’ schedule, it’s easy to see that the offense has vastly improved from a year ago, when they ranked dead last in points per game (93.7) and 28th in Offensive Rating (102.5). Just a year after being one of the league’s least proficient teams from three-point range (34.8%, 24th of 30), the Bulls are currently the NBA’s 8th-best team in that category (35.9%). Chicago’s field goal percentage has also increased from last season, from a league-worst 43.2% to a more respectable 44.4% (19th). This season, the Bulls have ascended from being in the middle of the pack last campaign in regards to free throw attempts (23.3 per game, 15th) to one of the league’s best (26 per game, 2nd). Of course, the Bulls could stand to play at a faster pace, as they rank 20th (93, up from 2013-14’s 90.2, good for 29th). A positive is the Bulls are scoring more on the fast break this season (11.8, 19th) than they did last (9.5, 27th), a sign that the emphasis for faster pace is remotely present. Boozer’s departure and Rose’s addition have probably contributed most to their improvement in scoring points in the paint (41.6, 20th, up from 37.1 in 13-14, 29th), something that will definitely be useful in the playoffs, when games tend to become more oriented around half-court offense and post play. To round things out on the offensive end, the Bulls have improved in each category of the Offense Four Factors:
- eFG% 49.1, 18th (47.1%, 30th in 13-14)
- TOV% 12.8, 11th (14.2%, 24th)
- ORB% 27.6, 4th (27.2%, 9th)
- FT/FGA .245, 2nd (.226, 9th)
Defense has on occasion, been another story for the 2014-15 Chicago Bulls. A unit that allowed the fewest points per game in 13-14 (91.8) is now 12th in that category (99.1), and their Defensive Rating has fallen from 2nd (100.5) to 13th in 14-15 (105.1). Allowing points in the paint has been an issue all season, and the Bulls currently rank 22nd in opponents’ points in the paint per game (43), way down from last year’s 2nd-place ranking (36.8). Don’t blame Pau for the steep drop, though. According to NBA.com, only two centers who are regulars and have allowed 50 successful field goals in the paint–Cleveland’s Tristan Thompson and Sacramento’s DeMarcus Cousins–allow opponents to shoot a lower percentage in that zone. In fact, Pau’s 38.7% allowed under those requirements is a mark better than that of his brother, Memphis‘ Marc Gasol, New Orleans‘ Anthony Davis, Detroit‘s Andre Drummond, Pau’s teammate, Joakim Noah, Houston‘s Dwight Howard, Dallas‘ Tyson Chandler, the Clippers‘ DeAndre Jordan, Golden State‘s Andrew Bogut, Cleveland‘s Timofey Mozgov, and Indiana‘s Roy Hibbert, all centers thought to be markedly better interior defenders than Pau. Despite head coach Tom Thibodeau’s defensive prowess, the Bulls have never been great, or even really good, at forcing turnovers. After finishing 16th in turnovers forced last season (14.4 per game), this Bulls team ranks a terrible 28th (12.5), something that may prove to be more than problematic when facing teams that heavily rely on ball movement, such as the Golden State Warriors and Atlanta Hawks. This is still a top-10 squad in terms of opponents’ field goal percentage (44.1%, 8th) and 3-point percentage (33.5%, 6th), but the Bulls are finding themselves losing out on the glass more often than in the past. While they have seen gains in their own offensive and defensive rebounding, the opposition have rebounded better against the Bulls this season. Opponents dominate the offensive glass (11.9 allowed per game, 29th) and have done enough overall (43.3 rebounds allowed per game, 21st) to at least create second-chance opportunities and prevent the Bulls from having extra offensive possessions. A glance at the Bulls’ Defense Four Factors, from the first half of 14-15 and all of 13-14:
- eFG% 47.6, 3rd (47.1%, 2nd in 13-14)
- TOV% 11.5, 29th (13.7%, 15th)
- DRB% 73.9, 18th (75.4%, 11th)
- FT/FGA .182, 2nd (.189, 4th)
A quick player-by-player overview through the first half of the season (In order by appearances, stats per Basketball-Reference.com):
Aaron Brooks, PG (54 G, 1 GS, 20 MPG, 10.8 PPG, 1.8 TRB, 2.7 AST, .6 STL, 44.1 FG%, 44.2 3P%, 86.5 FT%, 52.7 eFG%, 56.7 TS%, 106 ORtg, 108 DRtg, 15.8 PER, .3 VORP) Brooks was signed to be a backup point guard to Derrick Rose, and he has certainly been a stabilizing force at that position, providing relatively efficient scoring off the bench as well as serving as a viable three-point threat; Brooks is the team’s leading three-point shooter.
Nikola Mirotic, PF/SF (54 G, 2 GS, 17.1 MPG, 7.1 PPG, 4.2 TRB, 1.1 AST, .6 STL, .6 BLK, 39.5 FG%, 34.4 3P%, 78 FT%, 48.5 eFG%, 55.1 TS%, 113 ORtg, 101 DRtg, 15.8 PER, .7 VORP) The 24 year-old rookie from Montenegro had his best month in December, averaging nearly 10 points and 6 rebounds per game while shooting 40% from both the floor and 3-point territory. He’s since seen his production fall off, but is still a solid reserve, especially on the defensive end, where he’s rebounded and guarded much better than expected.
Pau Gasol, PF/C (51 G, 51 GS, 35.1 MPG, 18.4 PPG, 12.1 TRB, 3 AST, 2.1 BLK, 49.3 FG%, 46.2 3P%, 81 FT%, 49.7 eFG%, 55.1 TS%, 113 ORtg, 101 DRt, 22.8 PER, 2.3 VORP) The Bulls’ lone All-Star Game starter had an incredible January (19.1 PPG, 13.5 TRB, 3.1 AST, 50 FG% 55.9 TS%) although the Bulls finished 8-9 as the city of Chicago threw up their collective hands after each loss. There have been some frustrating moments involving Pau, but his PER and VORP numbers show just how valuable he’s been to this 2014-15 Bulls team.
Jimmy Butler, SG/SF (49 G, 49 GS, 39.3 MPG, 20.4 PPG, 5.8 TRB, 3.2 AST, .6 BLK, 1.8 STL, 46.1 FG%, 34.2 3P%, 83.4 FT%, 49.8 eFG%, 58.1 TS%, 123 ORtg, 105 DRtg, 21.3 PER, 3.2 VORP) After appearing in his first All-Star Game, Butler should now be looking to build on a strong start to February (19.3 PPG, 3.5 TRB, 3.3 AST, 46.4 FG%, 58.6 TS%), which would help his contract negotiations after this season. Oh, and consistent production from Jimmy through the Bulls’ final third of the season would help them compete for an NBA title as well.
Taj Gibson, PF (45 G, 13 GS, 28.5 MPG, 10.7 PPG, 6.7 TRB, 1.3 AST, 1.3 BLK, .6 STL, 48.8 FG%, 70.1 FT%, 48.8 eFG%, 53.2 TS%, 111 ORtg, 105 DRtg, 15.9 PER, .8 VORP) It appeared Taj would finally get his chance to start after the Bulls amnestied PF Carlos Boozer from the roster this past offseason. When Gasol signed as a free agent, Gibson was once again relegated to the bench, where he’s been one of the league’s better performers…again. Gibson has 2 years and 17.45 million left on his contract and will turn 30 in June, though, and has been previously been mentioned in trade rumors. They in all likelihood had no legs-because the Bulls would never do such a thing as trade high, you know-but it will be interesting to see if he is actually moved for guard or wing help once he hits the wrong side of the big 3-0.
Kirk Hinrich, PG/SG (44 G, 22 GS, 27 MPG, 6.5 PPG, 1.9 TRB, 2.5 AST, .9 STL, 36.4 FG%, 33.6 3P%, 73.3 FT%, 44.1 eFG%, 46.6 TS%, 96 ORtg, 108 DRtg, 7.1 PER, -.2 VORP) Make no mistake about it, Kirk has been pretty damn awful this season. Granted, he’s been “unfairly” place in a role in which he regulary logs 25-30 minutes, but even in small doses, Kirk simply hasn’t done anything at an average or above-average level. The fact that “Captain Kirk” is logging 27 minutes per game while grading out as arguably the team’s worst player when using PER and VORP is mind-boggling, but then again, Thibs does exactly what the hell Thibs wants.
Tony Snell, SG/SF (44 G, 10 GS, 15.4 MPG, 4.8 PPG, 1.9 TRB, .6 AST, 46.2 FG%, 38.5 3P%, 78.3 FT%, 56.4 eFG%, 58.2 TS%, 113 ORtg, 107 DRtg, 11.4 PER, .2 VORP) While it’s unrealistic to expect Snell to continue his February production (18.3 PPG, 3 TRB, 1.3 AST, 68.3 FG%, 60 3P%, 87.2 TS%), we should thank the basketball gods that he has apparently developed into a solid offensive and defensive threat off the bench, for the time being. With Dunleavy shelved over the last month and change, Snell assumed responsibility of the Bulls’ lead small forward spot and managed to hold down the fort. His continued development could also mean the Bulls’ front office doesn’t have to touch the roster in order to bring in help on the wing.
Derrick Rose, PG (43 G, 43 GS, 31.1 MPG, 18.9 PPG, 3.1 TRB, 5 AST, .7 STL, 41.5 FG%, 29.4 3P%, 80.5 FT%, 46.2 eFG%, 50.1 TS%, 99 ORtg, 109 DRtg, 16.6 PER, .2 VORP) The minutes restriction has long been lifted on Rose, but perhaps someone should tell him that it probably wouldn’t hurt the team if he passed the ball a bit more. With a hefty USG% of 31.7, Rose currently ranks 67th among qualified point guards in assist ratio (18.5) and his 5 assists per game would be the lowest average of his career if not for his abbreviated 13-14 campaign, in which he averaged only 4.3 helpers per contest. Rose is averaging a shade over 21 points (46.7 FG%, 53 TS%) and 6 assists per through five games in February, though, and the hope is that he can maintain this level of play through May/June.
Joakim Noah PF/C (43 G, 43 GS, 30.4 MPG, 7.7 PPG, 9.7 TRB, 3.7 AST, .7 STL, 1.3 BLK, 43.9 FG%, 65.1 FT%, 43.9 eFG%, 48.1 TS%, 108 ORtg, 102 DRtg,
15.1 PER, 1.6 VORP) Noah enjoyed the finest season of his NBA career in 13-14, averaging over 12 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists per game while being named an All-Star, the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year, and to the All-NBA 1st Team. He underwent “minor” knee surgery in May of last year and hasn’t matched that production this season, but hopefully the All-Star Break gave him a chance to gain some needed rest as the Bulls prepare for the stretch run.
Mike Dunleavy, SF/SG/PF (35 G, 35 GS, 29.3 MPG, 9.3 PPG, 3.7 TRB, 1.7 AST, .5 STL, 44.2 FG%, 41.1 3P%, 76.6 FT%, 56.2 eFG%, 58.5 TS%, 117 ORtg, 108 DRtg, 11.5 PER, .6 VORP) Dunleavy missed more than a month due to an ankle injury, and in two games since his return, has produced marginal results. His comeback means minutes will (hopefully) be more properly allocated, alongside the fact that his presence on the floor creates more space than any other Bull on the roster.
E’Twaun Moore, SG/PG (35 G, 7.8 MPG, 2.1 PPG, .8 TRB, .5 AST, 42.9 FG%, 38.1 3P%, 50 FT%, 48.6 eFG%, 49 TS%, 106 ORtg, 108 DRtg, 9.5 PER, -.1 VORP) Not much should have been expected of the Purdue product but to serve as an emergency fill-in at either guard spot. So far, he hasn’t been called on that much, which is a good thing for the Bulls.
Doug McDermott, SF (22 G, 9.4 MPG, 3 PPG, 1.3 TRB, 45.6 FG%, 25.9 3P%, 61.5 FT%, 51.8 eFG%, 53.4 TS%, 87 ORtg, 108 DRtg, 6.4 PER, -.3 VORP) The Bulls paid a somewhat hefty price to acquire “McD” on draft night, and so far, they haven’t gotten much of a return on their initial investment. There is still time for the rookie out of Creighton to work his way into the rotation, but that time likely won’t come until the 15-16 season.
Cameron Bairstow, PF (13 G, 1 GS, 4.4 MPG, .8 PPG, .6 TRB, 21.4 FG%, 50 FT%, 21.4 eFG%, 30.9 TS%, 77 ORtg, 108 DRtg, 2.3 PER, -.1 VORP) Bairstow’s single start came on November 25 against the Nuggets. In almost 19 minutes, he scored 2 points on 1-4 shooting, grabbed 2 rebounds, blocked a shot, dished out an assist, and committed 4 personal fouls. The Bulls lost, 114-109. That’s about it for ol’ Cam, I’m afraid.
Nazr Mohammed, C (11 G, 5.5 MPG, 1 PPG, 1.5 TRB, 38.5 FG%, 38.5 eFG%, 38.4 TS%, 82 ORtg, 102 DRtg, 6.4 PER, -.1 VORP) I’m not sure how much longer Mohammed will continue to play, but I’m sure the front office is aware that if any of the four regular bigs go down for a substantial period of time, the frontcourt could be a mess if it has to rely on Nazr for anything but mop-up duty.
Next up for the Bulls are a matchup tonight against the Detroit Pistons (21-33, 4th in Central Division) in Auburn Hills, MI. 4-6 in their last 10, the Pistons will begin a four-game homestand against a Bulls team that has won four straight, including a rather impressive home 113-98 win over the Cavs before the All-Star break began. The Bulls are reportedly fully healthy for the final portion of the regular season, and it would be great if they could take advantage of a weak remaining schedule to prepare themselves for a deep playoff run.
Full-Court Run 
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