Three questions the Bulls face heading into training camp
With training camp about to tip off, here’s what to watch for as your favorite team prepares for the 2015-16 season. Some of these questions will be answered quickly; others could linger into the regular season. Either way, here are three things that will define the first month of this new season:
Will Fred Hoiberg be able to get more out of the same?
Chicago parted ways with head coach Tom Thibodeau this summer, due to a combination of a demanding style and clashes with management over lineups and the distribution of minutes. Fred Hoiberg will be tasked with installing an offense that allows for more freedom while playing at a faster pace, but from a talent perspective, except for the addition of rookie Bobby Portis, literally nothing has changed. The Bulls expect to compete with the Cavaliers for the Eastern Conference crown, so the pressure will be on Hoiberg from the jump to make things work as quickly as possible.
Can Joakim Noah regain his All-Star form?
Noah had a down year a season ago, and not just statistically. After making the All-Star team in each of the previous two seasons, injuries limited him significantly, especially on the offensive end of the floor where his field goal percentage dipped for the fourth consecutive season. If Noah is going to be relied upon to play 30-plus minutes, he needs to return to being as effective as he used to be in order for the Bulls to be at their best. He's said he's hungry to return to form, which may be a positive sign.
Will Pau Gasol run out of gas?
Gasol dominated the competition while leading Spain to a EuroBasket title this summer, and took home the tournament's MVP honors. But things wrapped up just last week, and with little or no time to rest, it's worth wondering just how much gas Gasol might have left in the tank once the long grind of the NBA regular season has taken a further toll on his body. Keep an eye on his level of production as the season progresses; it'll be an interesting subplot to watch.
