1. Zach LaVine
For all the box score watchers and non-Bulls fans out there, I wouldn’t blame you if you thought this was a relatively unimpressive season for Zach LaVine. Averages of 24.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists are nothing to scoff at, but it’s still a step back from what we saw from Zach in 2020-21. This is only compounded by the fact that he missed out on another All-Star selection after qualifying for the team in the two previous seasons.
Just looking at those numbers is ignoring a whole lot of context here, however, as LaVine entered the season still recovering from a knee injury. As a result, he got off to an understandably slow start this year, and even when he was back at full speed, LaVine’s production still suffered from the Bulls’ poor roster construction.
What was his numbers after trade deadline?? Aww ok ✅ https://t.co/GFz7gKQFHt
— Patrick Beverley (@patbev21) May 23, 2023
As Patrick Beverley will be quick to remind you, LaVine became a whole new beast after the All-Star Break now that he had a real point guard to transfer the primary ball-handling duties to. Over the last 22 games of the season, LaVine averaged 27 points and 4.7 assists per game while shooting 53.2% from the field and 39.4% from beyond the arc.
Zach clearly demonstrated that he still has what it takes to be not only a top offensive option, but perhaps something even more dangerous: an elite second option. For any contenders looking to add a dynamic scorer to their current star, LaVine is perhaps one of the most interesting players that could potentially hit the trade block over the next two seasons.