Chicago Bulls: Three offensive adjustments without Zach LaVine

Chicago Bulls offensive adjustments without Zach LaVine: More ball movement

This is not a knock on Zach LaVine. It is actually a compliment and appreciation of the player he is and what he brings to the table offensively more than anything else.

With him out of the rotation, the Bulls offense needs to and will have more ball movement. There are now no Bulls players that the ball should stick in the hands of and if they want to get open looks it will be from quick and decisive passing instead of opportunities created from a guy like LaVine.

LaVine’s dribble penetration and ability to put defenses in awkward situations open up opportunities for everyone, but that is not an option now. No one can be asked or should be asked to create those same looks for their teammates, so the reality is passing will be the key to getting good looks.

Not only does smart and strong passing get players open looks but it also puts them in a position to attack the defense. In a way, it’s the team’s way of creating those dribble penetration possessions they’ll miss without LaVine.

The right pass will allow a perimeter player a chance to attack their defender and from their opportunities will come.

LaVine, on average, possesses the ball for 5.6 seconds per possession, according to NBA.com. No one else on the Bulls should be hitting that number with or without him and the only way that will be a reality is if the ball is moving quickly to the open man.