It is official, Zach LaVine is a 20-21 NBA All-Star! This a time to celebrate. He has worked his butt for this nod, showing up in numbers yes, but mainly in a winning manner for the Chicago Bulls.
Zach has finally achieved this massive milestone. He is the first Bulls players to reach All-Star status since the blockbuster deal to get Zach to Chicago in the first place.
Bulls fans did you hear that? How are we feeling about that trade four seasons ago? For me I am thrilled, I have liked Zach since his Dunk Contest days early in his career when he played for Minnesota.
At this point in his career and the direction of the Bull origination, I could not have asked for a better outcome. All-Star players do not just walk into organizations. We are lucky enough to have traded an All-Star to get another All-Star in return.
Why is the Chicago Bulls star deserving?
Let us look deeper into why Zach has earned his first All-Star appearance. First by the numbers 28.6 points per game on 51.8 percent shooting.
That is eye-popping not to mention these are all career highs. He is the only shooting guard in the league shooting above 51 percent from the field. He is shooting 43 percent from three-point range.
His is an assassin. He is accurate and deadly on the offensive attack. Zach has evolved into a more complete player. He scores at will and is highlighted on every teams scouting report. His efficiency from any range is unguardable.
When you add in his speed and ability to get to the basket and finish with ease, Zach has finally made a name for himself. His effortless sweet stroke has been spotted by the entire league. Stand by.
Zach has averaged 5.4 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game thus far this season also all career highs. His rebounding is impressive being that he is guarding the opponent’s top offensive player this season.
Another indication of his growth and development into becoming an All-Star. Every stat has now equated to winning and making his teammates around him better. He has become a complete player.
What is next for the Bulls?
Billy Donovan has pushed Zach and he has responded by pushing back at the critics. Some may say that other players are more deserving or that he cannot play defense, but numbers never lie.
Truth be told LaVine has arrived, and no one is more deserving than him this season. You can call it snubs or just call it how we see it. Zach and the Bulls are winning. They are just beginning to learn how to win. Imagine when they start learning how not to lose?
He has had my vote all year and fans have dreamed of an All-Star for some time now. We have one again and it feels good doesn’t it? This is just the beginning for Zach and this young Bulls team.
Be prepared for more highlights and wins, I am excited to see how this season continues to unfold and what other surprises could be in store. This is just the beginning for Zach. At 14-16 the Chicago Bulls aren’t content with just the eighth seed.
Can he keep this hot streak going or will he eventually flame out? For now, let us just sit back and enjoy the show!