Apr 9, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson (22) shoots over Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Taj Gibson to the Raptors
The Bulls have four starting quality big men in Noah, Gasol, Mirotic, and Gibson, so at least one of them may find a new home this summer. Looking at their coaching search, they are favoring Fred Hoiberg, who’s offense keeps the ball moving, and Alvin Gentry, who has been an assistant in Golden State, so it appears his offensive philosophy will be similar to theirs.
Out of Chicago’s four bigs, Gibson is the worst passer. That’s not to say he’s a bad passer, but he doesn’t see the floor like the others. He was a favorite under Thibs, someone who played hard on both ends and could post up and shoot a little.
The fit in Toronto is obvious, Amir Johnson might be leaving, and Casey doesn’t trust Jonas Valanciunas down the stretch on defense. Casey’s defense calls for hedging on screens, something Amir Johnson’s bad ankles and Valanciunas’s lack of quickness makes them struggle with. Gibson and Patrick Patterson can both hedge and hustle back on their guys, making them ideal for the system.
In order to get this deal done, I think it would require two players, Terrance Ross and Greivis Vasquez. Ross struggled for minutes with the emergence of James Johnson as the wing defender the Raptors need, and he didn’t play very well this year. He’s still young, and the Bulls will have have him, Jimmy Butler, Tony Snell, Doug McDermott and possibly Mike Dunleavy Jr on the wing next year, so if Ross is struggling they have options.
He’s very athletic and a streaky shooter, so he’s a guy you could plug into the lineup and see if he can get going for you. If not, pull him and you have options behind him.
Similarly, Aaron Brooks may chase more money on the open market, so the Bulls should look elsewhere for a backup point guard. Vasquez hasn’t been able to replicate the numbers he put up in New Orleans, but he’s a solid backup guard and can play either spot.
If Gentry gets the job, he could be deployed how Shaun Livingston is in Golden State. He can also play the two, so him and Rose could both be on the floor, which would be good for ball movement.
*All salary numbers are via HoopsHype
** All stats are from NBA.com unless otherwise stated