5. Zach LaVine has more eyeballs on him than ever before
The national media spotlight and more scrutiny will be pouring on potential budding star shooting guard Zach LaVine this season with the Chicago Bulls than ever before. What’s surprising about that face is that could actually be good for LaVine and his aspirations to become a first-time All-Star selection this year.
Becoming one of 10 players last season to average at least 23.5 points per game, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists, in the NBA is a special accomplishment for LaVine. And the fact that he’s still catching disrespect and a lack of recognition from general basketball fans and the national media goes to show how detrimental it was playing for a losing Bulls team.
The perception that LaVine is only a one-way player and is a product of a system by getting the ball a lot on a bad team that loses a lot is something he has to shed this season. That’s something he can’t do without the Bulls making a significant leap in the East this coming season.
The most recent NBA MVP odds among the top 50 players (via Oddsshark) didn’t even have LaVine or Bulls power forward Lauri Markkanen listed. That is a big lack of respect that could shift quickly if the Bulls make at least a 12-win leap this season. But that is still a big ask for a player that would probably have to average at least 25 points per game, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, while staying healthy in the process.