Getting to know the opponent: Q&A with Bulls.com
11/22/2009 3:02 AM
/ Posted in: Bulls, Blazers
While most Trail Blazers fans were probably strictly focused on the opening round playoff series against the Houston Rockets, the rest of the basketball world turned their attention to the engrossing match up between the Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics. Although the Bulls eventually lost the series, guys like Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah turned in terrific performances. While Rose and Noah are back in Chicago this season, the Bulls did lose Ben Gordon in free agency. In order to get a better sense for how guys like Rose and Noah are developing, as well as how the team has managed to replace the clutch shooting of Gordon, we decided to check in with Sam Smith and Adam Fluck from
Bulls.com. I am a Trail Blazers fan would like to thank Sam and Adam for taking the time to answer our questions regarding the Bulls and the game on Monday night.
I am a Trail Blazers fan: One
of the defining moments of the playoffs last season was Ben Gordon
routinely hitting huge shots for the Bulls. How has this team replaced
the production of Gordon on the offensive end, and who do they now look
to when the game is on the line?
Sam Smith: There
is no actually replacing a unique talent like Ben Gordon. The Bulls
still are uncertain who will fill that role, though it is probably
either Derrick Rose or John Salmons for now. The theory was the team's
improved defense would make up for Gordon's scoring for now, and that
has occurred as the team's defensive numbers all are much improved. The
issue with resigning Gordon was that it would eat into the team's plans
for being a major player in the summer of 2010 free agency. They wanted
to keep Gordon, but in the end couldn't afford to risk not being able
to offer a max deal if some top free agent wanted to come in 2010.
I am a Trail Blazers fan:
After
missing last season with an injury, it appears that Luol Deng is
healthy and playing well. What impact does Deng have on this team and
how has he meshed with guys like John Salmons and Derrick Rose?
Sam Smith: Deng
has come back strong from his stress fracture. Deng is a player who
relies more on movement and slashing to get the ball and score. Rose is
a willing passer and Salmons is adjusting to being a shooting guard
now, so there hasn't been any problems with overlap as there were at
times with Gordon.
I am a Trail Blazers fan: Although
he is arguably the top young point guard in the NBA, Derrick Rose
hasn't made the second year jump that many people assumed he would.
What have been the main reasons behind his struggles during the
beginning of the season?
Sam Smith: The
principal issue was an ankle injury in the first exhibition game that
kept him out about four weeks. As a result, his conditioning was
affected and he's had problems regaining that explosiveness. Also, with
Gordon gone the defenses have collapsed more toward Rose with neither
Salmons, Hinrich or Deng considered great three point shooters.
I am a Trail Blazers fan: Who
is one guy that doesn't receive much attention from the national media
that Trail Blazers fans should keep their eyes on when these teams meet
on Monday night?
Sam Smith: He's
getting attention now, but Joakim Noah has been the best player on the
team this season. He's even been at times the best fourth quarter
scorer with tips and hustle plays. He has been leading the league in
rebounding and is a relentless hustler, going after every rebound and
loose ball. Though he shoots the most unconventional shot anyone has
seen which we call the tornado, he has been effective against every big
man he's played.
I am a Trail Blazers fan: In
James Johnson and Taj Gibson the Bulls have two very capable rookies in the front
court rotation. What type of contributions have Johnson and Gibson made
so far, and what type of role do you see each playing as the season
continues?
Sam Smith: Johnson hasn't played much and hasn't made
any contribution as a result. Gibson has been a pleasant surprise,
especially with Tyrus Thomas injured. He's a mature rookie and through
a bit small at power forward is smart, works hard and has confidence in
a mid range shot he can make.
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