The Bernstein Brief: Bulls' Defensive Identity Gone
By Dan Bernstein--
CBSChicago.com senior columnist
(CBS) Tom Thibodeau is still in Chicago, but it's clearer than ever that he's no longer coaching the Bulls.
The players all seem happier, more relaxed and talkative -- and they also don't seem to want to guard anybody. It's preseason, of course, but the defensive end of the floor has gone from foundation to afterthought, an expected result of rookie coach Fred Hoiberg's concentration on putting the ball in the basket, instead. Chicago has allowed at least 112 points in three of its first five preseason games, including a 114-91 loss to Detroit on Wednesday evening.
The Bulls can still win, just in a new way as they look to outscore teams instead of stopping them.
There's no more bellowing baritone from the sidelines the moment an opponent crosses half court, indicating screen/roll assignments for multiple helps and recoveries. Instead, it's about getting back down to the other end as quickly as possible, finding the first decent shot and letting it fly. More possessions in every game instead of fewer.
Recalibrate the way you watch Bulls games, and get ready to cash in your ticket stubs for whatever fast food comes with topping a set number of points.
The roster has barely changed, but this is an entirely different team.
Dan Bernstein is a co-host of 670 The Score's "Boers and Bernstein Show" in afternoon drive. Follow him on Twitter@dan_bernstein and read more of his columns here.