Fans of Zach LaVine, I want you to know that I appreciate everything he’s meant to the Chicago Bulls throughout his time in the Windy City.
Throughout LaVine’s time with the Bulls, I was what some might call a “LaVine Stan.” I have repeatedly justified his importance to our organization and blamed others for our failings.
As a Chicago Bulls fan, the last thing I wanted was to see Zach LaVine go. However, I can no longer ignore the events of this season or the impact those events appear to have had on the court.
The Chicago Bulls seem to have a major problem on their hands, and his name is Zach LaVine.
I’ve already discussed the Chicago Bulls’ likely need to trade Zach LaVine. The Bulls aren’t going anywhere fast, and they’d profit from moving on from the biggest contract on their team in order to acquire assets and flexibility for the future while focusing on guys who will be here for it.
However, in order for this scenario to work, someone must be ready to swap assets for LaVine in the first place. On December 1st, Adrian Wojnarowski (often known as Woj), one of the most recognized insiders in any North American sport, tossed a huge wet blanket on top of their aspirations.
There is not a market for Zach LaVine right now, per @wojespn pic.twitter.com/dermILmn1S
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 1, 2023
It’s crucial to acknowledge that someone intentionally leaked information to Woj. Whether it was the Chicago Bulls or another party, someone aimed to inform Woj that moving LaVine might be challenging. This disclosure isn’t reassuring. For a team prioritizing its younger talents, being stuck with a player uninterested in staying isn’t ideal.
This brings attention to the Zach LaVine predicament: his impact during games. While it’s early to draw definitive conclusions after just two games, observing LaVine on and off the court this season reveals stark differences.
Despite facing tough opponents and being 2-0 in their last games, the Chicago Bulls are displaying a more cohesive team dynamic. Players appear to be embracing Billy Donovan’s coaching, exhibiting better ball movement, securing open shots, and intensifying their defense.
Notably, the performance of young players like Coby White and Patrick Williams without LaVine on the court has consistently outshined their play alongside him. This trend has persisted for some time. Whether it’s a departure from isolation play or another factor, White and Williams seem to thrive more without LaVine.
#Bulls Coby White the last 2 games without Zach LaVine:
– 27 PPG / 6.5 APG / 6.5 RPG
– 6 3s made per game
– 2-0 record pic.twitter.com/4FswEBIPzQ— Die-Hard Chicago Bulls Fans (@DieHardCBfans) December 3, 2023
While I’ve been critical of Patrick Williams, I’m open to reconsidering my stance. Ideally, the Bulls’ best-case scenario involves Williams evolving into the promising player many envisioned.
If LaVine’s style and attitude hinder Williams’ progress, then prioritizing Williams’ development makes sense, even if it means making tough decisions about LaVine.
The #Bulls dish out 32+ assists in back-to-back games WITHOUT Zach LaVine in the offense.
The Bulls were averaging just 20.9 assists per game (29th in the league) before LaVine sat with ‘soreness’ pic.twitter.com/YWixJeE8E3
— Die-Hard Chicago Bulls Fans (@DieHardCBfans) December 3, 2023
This brings up fundamental questions about the Bulls’ objectives this season. If they aim to contend with the current roster, retaining LaVine might be necessary. However, if player development is the priority, it’s arguable that progress could flourish without LaVine.
The challenge lies in potentially trading a multiple-time All-Star who appears disinterested in continuing with the team due to his contract and image in the league.
The Bulls need to address these pressing questions promptly. The season’s outcome hinges on these decisions and their implications.
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