Well, some of us saw this coming. It’s reported by the legendary Sam Smith that Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah will no longer start together in the front-court. Besides their lack of efficiency together on the court, having an oversized front-court isn’t what Fred Hoiberg’s system is about.
“The Bulls have two All-Star centers in Gasol and Joakim Noah, and starting both last season obviously didn’t work well. Though new coach Hoiberg has been circumspect about his plans, it seems likely Gasol and Noah will no longer both start.” – Sam Smith
In a run-and-gun style of offense filled with three-point shooters, neither player can fill the role of a stretch four. Both big men are very capable rebounders and very good passers for their size. However, Pau Gasol is significantly better on offense including his mid-range jump shot and his back-to-the-basket post moves.
Last season, at age 34, Pau Gasol averaged 18.5 points per game with 11.8 rebounds per game as he made the Allstar team. Gasol also led the NBA in double-doubles at 54, Andre Drummond came in second at 48. Joakim Noah on the other hand had a down season as he averaged 7.2 points per game with 9.6 rebounds per game. At age 30, Noah’s knees are becoming a significant concern moving forward with his health.
“It’s not that I see myself starting, I’m going to work and earn (my spot). I don’t take anything for granted no matter how well I played or how great of a player I think I am. You have to prove yourself in practice, earn your minutes, I’m not expecting to play the most minutes on the team…I expect to have a substantial role as I always have in my career and be a key part of our team” – Pau Gasol.
The starting power-forward position will be up for grabs between Taj Gibson and Nikola Mirotic. For years Bulls fans have felt Taj Gibson was jibbed from a starting position over Carlos Boozer. However, with the young Euro talent in town, it seems almost a perfect fit for a stretch four like Nikola Mirotic to become the new starter.
However, Hoiberg will make the decision between starting Noah or Gasol. One player gives defense and the other gives offense. Neither player should feel slighted if they’re not starting. After all, Steve Kerr brought two Allstars off the bench in Andre Igoudala and David Lee.
Whether it’s Mirotic-Gasol, Taj-Noah, Mirotic-Noah, or Taj-Gasol, somebody will have to sacrifice for the greater good of the team. The roster may look the same, but the team will definitely be a lot different thanks to Hoiberg’s willingness to make adjustments.
