The Chicago Bulls appear to be gaining steam this NBA regular season, with Derrick Rose gradually showing off signs of his former All-Star self. The contributions of Jimmy Butler in the hardwood court, along with the unexpectedly notable performance of Pau Gasol, also bolstered the offense and defense strategies of the NBA team. However, two NBA stars in the Chicago Bulls consistently pose issues for the team: Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson.
Earlier this NBA regular season, Chicago Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg revealed that Gibson had been chosen to start for the team due to Noah's insistence on their chemistry. As the games progressed, though, the Noah-Gibson tandem has yet to show signs of carrying the Chicago Bulls to the finals. In fact, some sports analysts point out that the two are becoming liabilities for the NBA team due to their inability to establish a working chemistry and execute the new strategies Hoiberg wants the group to implement.
"The defense was so mind-numbingly awful on all levels, and Noah and Gibson were the culprits on many of the breakdowns, although they weren't helped out by pitiful perimeter defense," noted Jay Patt of SB Nation, referring to the game plays of both NBA stars in the game against the Charlotte Hornets earlier this season. He further shared, "Noah is such a non-threat that teams simply don't care about him (he has 10 points and 11 turnovers thus far), and Gibson still too often tries to force things in the post."
It could be recalled that Gibson had been on the bench throughout his NBA career with the Chicago Bulls. With Noah's rise, though, the power forward became one of the league's starters due to their explosive chemistry - one last seen possibly two seasons ago. However, it looks like the magic has ran out for the Gibson-Noah tandem as some fans of the Chicago Bulls are now calling for the exit of both stars. Moreover, the injuries that constantly plague Noah appear to be fueling these speculations especially after Hoiberg decided to bench him in previous games.
With no official update has been given regarding these trade deals, Chicago Bulls fans and followers will have to content themselves with the current roster. As for Noah, partner Gibson offered some words of wisdom rgearding his current sixth man status in the NBA team.
"One thing about coming off the bench in my career, playing sixth man, you've got to watch and understand what you to do when you come in right away," shared Gibson in an interview. He added, "You have to bring the energy, bring some effort to what the team needs; if it's defense if it's offense, you just have to be ready. He has to come in the game and be aggressive. When you are coming off the bench, you have to get your blood flowing because it's tough. People don't understand how tough it is coming off the bench. You come off the bench you are stiff. You're completely stiff and everyone else is warm. They're coming right at you so you have to be aggressive when you come in the game. You have to be that guy, bring the energy. He is slowly understanding it. I think he is doing a good job."
