The signings of Rajon Rondo and Dwyane Wade by the Bulls were interesting to say the least. On any team, the lack of spacing between the two guards and incumbent star Jimmy Butler would be a major issue.
In Fred Hoiberg’s pace-and-space style of play, that issue may become doubly significant.
According to Hoiberg, however, there will be no issue incorporating the two new Bulls into this system. In fact, Hoiberg expects them to be very successful.
Following via Vincent Goodwill of CSN Chicago:
“The biggest thing is we have multiple playmakers now, we have guys who can get in and break down the defense,” Hoiberg said. “That’s the most important thing to have on an NBA roster is multiple ballhandlers, multiple playmakers. Bigs who are gonna set screens and put pressure on the rim.”
“Rondo is a point guard who I think will thrive in the system we like to run and then to get Dwyane, we didn’t have to give up any of the young pieces in the process,” Hoiberg said. “We’re able to stay competitive with players with championship experience. To pair those two guys with Jimmy Butler, it’ll be a dynamic and exciting backcourt.”
Having multiple playmakers is obviously great. However, if none of them bend the defense or force opponents to guard them out to the three-point line, that playmaking becomes very much mitigated.
Fred Hoiberg has a reputation as an offensive mastermind. Getting the trio of Rondo, Wade, and Butler to form an efficient offense may be his toughest challenge yet.
