Chicago Bulls: 3 bold predictions for Zach LaVine in 2020-21 season

2) 20-21 bold predictions for Chicago Bulls SG Zach LaVine

He and Otto Porter Jr. lead the Bulls in points per game

One of the unlikely combinations that does work well together for the Bulls is that with veteran small forward Otto Porter Jr. and LaVine. The problem with this combination in the Bulls starting five is that OPJ has barely remained healthy over the course of his two seasons in the Windy City. He’s only played in 29 games since landing with the Bulls at the 2019 trade deadline.

When OPJ was healthy for the Bulls in the last 18-20 months or so, he is very effective on the wing. He is that ideal modern three-and-D wing that can matchup with almost every player in the NBA on both ends of the floor. And his numbers last season, despite rampant injury issues, were still pretty respectable.

During the shortened 2019-20 regular season, OPJ played in 14 games for the Bulls (just nine of which he started in). And he averaged 11.9 points per game, 3.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.4 blocks. OPJ shot 44.3 percent from the field, 38.7 percent from beyond the arc, and 70.4 percent from the free-throw line.

The two man combination between LaVine and OPJ last season surely did see a spike in the Bulls scoring (two more points per 100 possessions), and they launched a lot more shots. Just given the volume at which OPJ and LaVine get open shots when they’re on the floor together, there’s a real shot that they both could rank among the Bulls scoring leaders this season. White is likely to be up there too.