Chicago Bulls: Player grades through first 25 games of 2019-20 season
Zach LaVine, Shooting Guard
For the second season in a row, the Chicago Bulls are relying all too heavily on LaVine to be their primary ball-handler and star scorer. LaVine took a small step back so far this season in his per game averages. Although he is better of late.
He’s averaging 22.2 points per game, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists, on 42.5 shooting from the field and 39.6 percent shooting from three-point range. But there is too much inconsistency coming from LaVine of late.
Could this be a season where LaVine rises to the occasion to the degree where he’s a first-time All-Star selection?
Sure, All-Star Weekend is in the Windy City at the United Center this season.
LaVine needs to make better decisions more often. His tough shot making ability is nice down the stretch sometimes. But the two players on this last part of the grades list needs to step up and soon.
Grade: C
Lauri Markkanen, Power Forward
It took a long time for third-year power forward Lauri Markkanen to get going for the Bulls. And he still has a long way to go. There are too many major stat categories that are way down for Markkanen this season compared to last. And the pick up in his play of late just salvages Markkanen’s grade from being a failure.
But there’s a chance that Markkanen just isn’t as good as lot of people thought he could be. A lot of Bulls fans, including myself, felt that if Markkanen had a full healthy season under his belt and another year of progression, he could be a true star. But averaging 14.2 points per game, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists while shooting just 32.0 percent from downtown isn’t good enough for Markkanen.