Chicago Bulls: 3 Players that need to step up in Zach LaVine’s absence

Chicago Bulls that need to step up: Troy Brown Jr.

Already a fan favorite amongst Chicago Bulls fans, Troy Brown Jr. should get the run fans have wanted him to get since arriving now that LaVine will miss games.

As long as Billy Donovan puts him in the game he is one of the key players in helping the Bulls overcome LaVine’s absence. He is averaging 18.1 minutes per game since being acquired by the Bulls.

In those limited minutes he has recorded a team-high +/- of +58. No one else is even close, and those that are next on the team have played significantly more minutes than Brown.

The young wing rebounds well and makes an impact on the defensive end, which may be just what this team needs to light a spark. He isn’t going to score like LaVine, but who is? Brown could be huge in establishing a defensive level of effort that the Bulls have been lacking.

If he starts in LaVine’s spot that could especially be true. It’s unknown right now who Donovan will insert into the starting five, but odds are it is not Brown. Regardless, he can bring something new to the rotation and earn a majority of the minutes.

Rebounding and defense are what the Bulls really need. While LaVine’s offense will obviously be missed, if the team can collectively pick up the slack scoring the ball they may all benefit from the energy Brown brings to the team.

This is one player that can perform and turn LaVine’s absence into a blessing in disguise.