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The Chicago Bulls should let Zach Lavine walk

By Andrew Favakeh

MEMPHIS, TN - MARCH 15: Zach LaVine #8 of the Chicago Bulls shoots a free throw during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on March 15, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - MARCH 15: Zach LaVine #8 of the Chicago Bulls shoots a free throw during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on March 15, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Zach Lavine, coming off injuries, is a risk to resign for a hefty price. The Chicago Bulls should let him walk in the upcoming free agency.

I realize Zach Lavine was a significant piece in the Jimmy Butler trade. Lavine is only 23 years old. I even discern he showed flashes of big-game potential last season and in seasons prior. Certainly, the shooting guard position is anything but stacked in the NBA. It was even worthwhile to trade the aging star, Jimmy Butler, for the 2017 pick (which turned out to be Lauri Markkanen) and the high-flying 2 guard, Zach Lavine. Yet, I do not think that is a driving reason to keep him.

The NBA is a Business

The NBA is a business and Lavine is a product of that business. He was a great face of the Bulls in his short time in Chicago, even appearing in a commercial alongside Migos. And while he produced off the court and in spurts on the court, we never got to see the Zach Lavine that had media and players raving in his early Timberwolves career.

Lavine has Struggled

Sure we saw him glide his way to a dunk contest victory in 2016. We witnessed a career season from him when he produced 18.9 points 3.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists. We just did not get a chance to view a consistent player in a Bulls jersey. He scored 16.7 points, grabbed 3.9 boards, and dished out 3.0 assists in 27.3 minutes. He shot just 38.3% from the field and 34.1% in 24 games, his season riddled with knee injuries after an ACL tear the season prior. Those are only half the statistics too.

Lavine could not finish shots at the rim like he used to. He shot 40.5% finishing in shots less than 3 feet, compared to 51.5% last season. He struggled with floaters as well, he shot 23.3% on shots 3-10 feet in comparison to his 41.9% last season. Lavine wasn’t much better from the mid-range, firing shots from 16 feet to the 3-point line at 25.5%. The shooting guard shot 41.1% on such shots in 2016-2017. As a Bulls fan, a question you have to ponder is whether the ‘face of the Bulls’ will ever regain his peak form.

ACL Tears are Dangerous

You simply do not throw $100 million at an injury-riddled shooting guard. Look at other guards with similar explosiveness who struggled after an ACL tear; Brandon Roy, Derrick Rose, and Brandon Knight. Chicago waited 3 years for the hometown hero, Derrick Rose, to return from a devastating ACL tear and he never regained form.

Next: Free agency primer: What's next for the Bulls

As James Andrews stated, “Playing time, games played and player efficiency ratings are also significantly decreased after the injury.” This only makes sense, as athletic NBA players build their game on a foundation of swift cuts, explosive jumps, and quick moves.