Bulls guard Zach LaVine is more than just a dunker. Sure, that is what made him a recognizable name during his first years in the NBA. However, LaVine has moved beyond from just being one of the leagues top dunkers. He is now moving into All-Star territory.
The former UCLA guard was drafted with the 13th overall pick of the 2014 NBA Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves. At that time, the Wolves were beginning their rebuild by trading away All-Star big Kevin Love for the first overall pick of the 2014 draft Andrew Wiggins.
LaVine did not do anything really special his rookie season. He averaged 10 points per game and shot almost 47% from the field. His first big leap into becoming well known came in his next season at the dunk contest. Not only would he win in the 2015 season, but a showdown with Aaron Gordon in 2016 season became legendary and propelled both players onto the Twitter feed of every NBA fan.
Though as good of a dunker as LaVine was, it did not translate into wins. The Wolves made a big trade by moving LaVine, Kris Dunn and the rights to Lauri Markannen for guard Jimmy Butler. In retrospect, the deal worked out heavily in favor of Chicago.
LaVine was plagued with injury his first year with Chicago, appearing in only 24 games. But the potential for LaVine began to rise, and other teams around the league saw it. LaVine, a restricted free agent, was offered a 4 year, $80 million deal by the Sacramento Kings. The Bulls decided to match the offer and keep LaVine.
LaVine rewarded the Bulls with his best season yet. He posted career highs in points (23.7), rebounds (4.7) and assist (4.5) per game. Not too shabby for a guy who played his real first season as a starter (injuries cut short his previous two seasons). LaVine greatly improved his handles and shot-creating ability during the 2018-19 campaign.
Though his offensive game is becoming top tier, his defense and 3 point percentage need to improve this season if he wishes to play basketball beyond April. Staying healthy is key. Both in body and in the mind. LaVine recently said in an interview with Fansided’s Gerald Bourguet:
” I want to play all 82 next year — actually, I wanna play more than 82, I don’t wanna go home in April. I’ve been in the NBA for five years now going on six. I’ve had some big nights in the NBA, but I haven’t played in a playoff game. I’m looking forward to trying to compete for those.”
The Bulls have a young team that will be exciting to watch this season. They added forward Thaddeus Young and guard Tomas Satoransky in free agency, as well as drafting guard Coby White and big man Daniel Gafford. I believe LaVine is ready to take that next step and become an All-Star caliber player. He has the right mindset going into the season and is putting in the work. I think it will greatly benefit him, as well as the Bulls and Bulls fans. Zach LaVine will be an All-Star.
