Joakim Noah is the known pulse of the Chicago Bulls. He plays with a passionate and competitive motor that has anchored the Bulls under former head coach Tom Thibodeau. Noah’s hustle and grit was most fitting during the Thibs era, and his role as starting center has been the norm thus far.
New head coach Fred Hoiberg is looking to experiment with his starting lineup to start the season, which reportedly includes bringing Joakim Noah off the bench.
From K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune:
“We want to throw (Gasol and Mirotic) out there together and I want to see Jo and Taj together,” Hoiberg said. “You’ll see mix-and-match. We want to get Bobby (Portis) some minutes as well with some different combinations. So we’ll see how it all plays out.”
Hoiberg’s strengths as a coach are different than Thibodeau’s — Hoiberg will have a more more offensive-oriented approach, looking to employ more motion, spacing, and outside shooting. Starting with Mirotic and Gasol, two forwards who are able to stretch the floor with shooting, sounds right up Hoiberg’s alley. Apparently the Bulls’ first-year coach hasn’t met any form of resistance from Noah on the matter.
“He didn’t fight it one bit,” Fred Hoiberg said. “I think he’s excited to play with Taj (Gibson) and the chemistry those two have together.”
“Whatever is best for the team. It’s not about me right now. It’s about this team,” Noah said. “We have to figure out ways to get better. And we will.”
This experiment could be what the Bulls need to make full and appropriate use of all front court assets. Gibson and Noah are complementary in terms of how their strengths, as are Mirotic and Gasol. The role Noah plays coming off the bench can be just as impactful as being a starter, which he probably understands, and if anything it can amplify the Bulls’ depth.
Of course, nothing is ever set in stone. Hoiberg will have all season to mix and match with his lineups.
