Chicago Bulls: 3 Keys to a playoff push

3 Keys to a Chicago Bulls playoff push: Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic living up to the hype

Given the limited number of games remaining for the Chicago Bulls there is added pressure on both LaVine and Vucevic to develop chemistry early and build on it each and every night moving forward. There are more reasons than not to assume they will be able to get on the same page quickly and learn to play off one another without much trouble.

Why so optimistic? Easy. Both LaVine and Vucevic are special offensive players that can get it done in so many different ways. That gives them and head coach Billy Donovan flexibility in finding what works best early and will see the Bulls use both players in a variety of ways.

For example, both players are above 40% shooters from behind the arc this season. When the team runs simple two-man action offensively one of their star players will be able to either get themselves a good look or find the other one for an open three.

Expect to see Vucevic used in the post like this with the possession resulting in either a good shot attempt or a kick out to LaVine for a three with space due to his helping defender. On the other side, simple pick and pop actions will allow LaVine room to beat his man off the dribble if help isn’t provided off the screen. If that help does come there’s a good chance he can kick it to his big man for an open three.

That is one of many ways the two are going to open each other’s games up even more offensively. For the current playoff push, they need to get on the same page as quickly as possible. While the veterans around them will support them consistently with well-rounded performances, the bulk of the teams scoring will be generated by one of either LaVine or Vucevic.

If they develop chemistry quickly, which I expect them to, the Bulls should be well on their way to a playoff appearance this season.