Zach LaVine
Enter Zach LaVine. The high-flyer flashed some signs of serious potential in Minnesota, posting an 18 point-per-game average in the 2016-2017 campaign. But then, an ACL tear brought his breakout season to a halt at 47 games in.
After being traded to Chicago, his play coming off of the injury was shaky at best, posting a scoring average of just under 17 points on an atrocious 38% from the field.
When the team decided to match his four-year, $78 million offer sheet, I was personally very worried. I wasn’t sure if he was worth that amount of money, however, I also knew that letting him walk was not going to be an option.
He was the main piece in the trade that took place on draft night two years ago. My thoughts: this contract will either be the next Chandler Parsons deal, or the contract would be a phenomenal one.
Boy, am I glad they matched it. Zach has met the expectations that were set for him, posting what should have been an all-star season, averaging 23.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, & 4.5 assists. He has drawn James Harden comparisons; a team trading a promising young player who is an athletic, pure scorer who can find his own shot.I am by no means saying that Zach is going to be the next Harden, however, he has shown some of the same qualities possessed by ‘The Beard’ to be an elite player.
Zach has proved to us that his scoring ability is elite, as he can play with or without the basketball, shoot, drive, ball handle, & get to the charity stripe. He has also flashed potential as a passer of late, as many Chicago faithful have called for him to play some time at the point. Defensively, he still needs to grow, but the potential is certainly there & the effort has been visible.
LaVine has proved this season that he can be the guy, & at only 23 years of age, he has plenty of growth ahead of him. He is certainly an all-star caliber player. Look for LaVine to be a very serious contender for a spot on an all-star team next season, especially if the Bulls make significant strides as a team.