1. Zach LaVine is going to be really fun
Perhaps the best part of the entire night for the Chicago Bulls and their fanbase was the incredible play of Zach LaVine. When the Bulls agreed to pay LaVine $78 million over the next 4 years, they were putting all their eggs in the 23-year-old’s basket.
Some people loved the decision to keep LaVine around, some hated it and some realized that even though it was a lot of money, it was the necessary move.
LaVine finished the preseason opener with 21 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals in only 23 minutes of gameplay.
There was a lot to like about LaVine’s first preseason showing. He was active, aggressive and confident.
.@ZachLavine looked good in the team's preseason opener, dropping 21 points in just 23 minutes 🔥#BullsNation pic.twitter.com/tCAMOGNasL
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 1, 2018
Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of LaVine’s game was his efficiency. He shot 8-of-13 from the field and 5-for-5 from the free-throw line.
After a really inefficient 2017-18 campaign, it was really nice to see LaVine taking – and making – shots that we know he can consistently knock down. His command in the pick-and-roll was magnificent, he was solid going to the basket and his mid-range game was really good.
If LaVine continues to play at this level, it will be a really fun season for Bulls fans.