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NBA Playoffs 2016: Why Chicago Bulls will make postseason

By Charles Rahrig V

Feb 26, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Mike Dunleavy (34) argues a call with a referee in the third quarter of their game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 103-88. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Mike Dunleavy (34) argues a call with a referee in the third quarter of their game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 103-88. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 1, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol (16) shoots over Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol (16) shoots over Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Get Pau Gasol the ball

While Jimmy Butler will have the ball in his hands when he comes back and Derrick Rose commands the ball as well, it’s important that the Bulls really work the inside and feed Pau Gasol inside the post. If the Bulls can dominate on the interior with Gasol, then the floor will really open up.

In a playoff race, there’s not a more valuable veteran to have than Gasol. He still plays at a very high level and he’s going to get paid because of it. Right now is a great time for the Bulls to continue to work the ball inside and let Gasol do his thing with Butler off the floor.

If they can just slow things down offensively and get the ball inside, the Bulls will give themselves a chance against any team in the league. Gasol has a variety of moves in the post and as he gets older, he continues to get more crafty with the basketball in his hands.

He’s also an excellent passer out of the post, which could make the Bulls’ offense more dangerous. Rather than working outside-in without Butler on the floor, maybe they should strongly consider beginning to work the basketball inside-out.

Next: 1. Let the young guys roll

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