Chicago Bulls: 5 Keys To Making Strong Playoff Push in 2019-20

2. All Star Play From Zach LaVine

Based on last season alone, Zach LaVine’s contract may have been the steal of the century, especially after seeing strong role players Domantas Sabonis and Jaylen Brown receive sizable extensions of similar amounts heading into the new season.

And from what we’ve seen in the preseason, notably an admirable effort on the defensive end and some effortless shooting finesse, LaVine is primed for All-Stardom in Chicago this season and for many years to come.

There’s no doubt LaVine is No. 1 when it comes to offensive threats on the roster. He led the scoring front beautifully while Markannen missed a good chunk of the last season. If he can really take that next step and become a reliable two-way star, the world will be LaVine’s oyster.

Dazzling dunks be damned, it was no fun watching opposing guards dominate the basket as LaVine watched with boredom as opposing guards blew by him on the defensive end every night. But he’s shown a lot of promise not only by showing strong effort on defense, but even going as far as anticipating passing lanes, something fans could only dream of in his first few years in the league.

While his offensive game and crowd-hyping dunk ability is already pretty darn good, a high scoring 27-plus PPG effort this season could make for a truly troubling time for opposing defenses.

Look for LaVine to have a breakout year, leading the Bulls out of the laughing stock of the league and back into a respectable team in a city that believes.