Chicago Bulls: 3 players that could spearhead surge up the East standings

Zach LaVine, SG

By far the most surprising decline for any Bulls player since the All-Star Break let out on March 11 was the first-time All-Star selection and 26-year-old star shooting guard Zach LaVine. The former UCLA Bruin LaVine is still having another career year for the Bulls this season, but he needs to watch out for his production to start falling closer to where it was last year.

It’s clear that all of the roster changes at the trade deadline back on March 25 for the Bulls impacted LaVine, along with the recent ankle injury he’s dealt with. More so than anything, it looks like the sprained ankle LaVine has dealt with of late has slowed him down and knocked off his rhythm at times.

Getting the extra day off before taking on the Pacers, and maybe getting limited minutes in the next couple of games, can get LaVine back closer to full health.

LaVine did play well for the Bulls in their April 4 win over the Nets at home. He tallied up just two turnovers and registered a team-high 25 points. LaVine even hit the three-pointer that sealed the win for the Bulls late in the fourth quarter.

Since the All-Star Break concluded last month, LaVine averaged 23.8 points per game, 4.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 0.2 steals, and 0.5 blocks. Compare that to his pre-All-Star Break averages of 28.7 points per game, 5.2 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.6 blocks, and you see a stark contrast.

It does only feel like a matter of time before LaVine gets back on track. Dealing with all of the hindrances he’s had on his back since the All-Star Break let out could make his game even stronger down the stretch.