Chicago Bulls: 3 players that could breakout with Boylen gone
1. Zach LaVine, Shooting Guard
Even though he already seems to be having a rise to stardom, prior to when Boylen was let go as the Bulls head coach, the 25-year-old former UCLA Bruins shooting guard Zach LaVine is likely to rejoice at the impending coaching staff changes. LaVine seemed to be one of the bigger critics of Boylen, and a happier star shooting guard could mean more success for the team as a whole.
The 6-foot-6 and 180 pound Seattle, WA, native was on the brink of his first career NBA All-Star selection in the season that was. It should’ve pushed him over the edge to get that first career All-Star selection this year that the festivities were hosted at the United Center in Chicago. But LaVine will have to at least wait until next season to try and get his first All-Star nod.
In the season that was, LaVine played in 60 games (starting in all of them). He averaged 25.5 points per game, 4.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.5 blocks. LaVine shot 45.0 percent from the field, 38.0 percent from beyond the arc, and 80.2 percent from the free-throw line. That amounted to a career-best 2.5 box plus/minus rating, 2.4 value over replacement player rating, four total win shares, and a 56.8 true shooting percentage.
dark. Next. 3 players that should go now that Boylen is gone
It looks like LaVine should only continue to get better from here. As he continues to improve as a two-way shooting guard, we will soon find out if LaVine can be the primary or secondary star to help the Bulls develop into contenders in the East. Since he is now firmly in his mid-20’s, he’ll need to see that promise come to fruition in the very near future.