The interior play of our big men, which includes Noah, Gibson and to a much lesser extent Asik, since we didn't really know what to expect from him, has been the largest surprise of this young season. The real surprise is the improved offense, though Noah's rebounding is a pleasant surprise. Both Noah and Gibson have flashed an array of in-progress go to moves, and are much better at converting at weird angles. Noah in particular is beginning to wreak havoc with his lefty hook and push shots, neither of which I remember seeing last year. Taj is much better working off his pivot in the paint. All of this is coming without the addition of Carlos Boozer. So here's the thing: for the last six or so years -- since Curry was traded -- we were sorely in need of an interior presence. All the pundits cited to our lack of paint scoring as the reason the Bulls were not a contender. Mission critical for this past off season, indeed, was acquiring a post scorer. And now, points in the paint is no longer a primary issue. If we have a new weakness that tops the list it's shooting guard. How did this happen? Some of it's the natural growth of both Noah and Gibson, to be sure. But did we really just need a big man's coach?
I'm just curious, but how is Noah's rebounding a pleasant surprise? If there was one thing that he knew how to do coming in to this season, it was rebound the ball.
Here's the thing ... I don't see that Jo has his execution down pat When he does ..he's right - its going to get ugly I see Jo with a 15 and 13 2apg, 2bpg type season and AllStar
Noah is averaging 15 boards a game this season. Those are the type of numbers he only previously put up in the playoffs. Last season he averaged 10.7 boards during the regular season. I expected some improvement, but am "pleasantly surprised" that he has emerged as potentially the best rebounder in the league.
