Shooting guard: Zach LaVine
What he’s done well
The Chicago Bulls scoring numbers and offensive efficiency aren’t looking any better as a team of late. But shooting guard Zach LaVine is playing much better since Boylen benched him early in the first quarter in a bad home loss last month to the Miami Heat. He ignited for a season-high 49 point outing in a 116-115 road win over the Charlotte Hornets.
LaVine is averaging 22.2 points per game, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.0 assists, while shooting 43.1 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range. Keep improving his scoring numbers at the rate he is of late combined with the nice jump in three-point shooting percentage and you arrive at better offensive numbers for LaVine despite a slow start out of the gates.
How to use him different
Put the ball in Satoransky’s hands more often as the primary ball handler. Even let the Bulls run the ball through their big men more often. LaVine doesn’t need to be the primary ball handler at all times, especially since his true shooting rate is down to 55.2 percent. That is a two percent drop from where it was last season.
Backup shooting guard: Coby White
Where the Bulls could be more efficient with their usage of White’s skill set, and 6-foot-5 frame, is by slotting him as a two guard off the bench. White could still be the primary ball handler in this spot, as LaVine is even whe’s at at the two guard.