Chicago Bulls: There is much at stake for Zach LaVine and the Bulls

There is plenty at stake this season for both Zach LaVine and the Chicago Bulls. 

Last season, we saw Zach LaVine go up a level and finally make an All-Star team. His emergence sparked the Chicago Bulls to make the bold move of adding Nikola Vucevic at the NBA trade deadline. While that move grabbed headlines it did not result in many more wins as Chicago ultimately missed the playoffs.

For the most part, LaVine seems to be one of the most underrated players by the general public despite the fact that he’s a very accomplished individual scorer and playmaker. He averaged 27 points, nearly five assists, and five rebounds per game last season.

Those numbers are stellar but LaVine’s biggest downfall is his inability to translate those gaudy numbers into team wins. LaVine has never shown the ability to have team success. LaVine has never made the playoffs or even been on a .500 team at any point during his career in the NBA.

This season is the time for LaVine to prove he can lead a team to the playoffs. The Bulls were unafraid this offseason, making a slew of moves. The Bulls added three above-average players to their roster. DeMar DeRozan and Lonzo Ball were both acquired through sign and trades and Alex Caruso was signed outright.

Caruso is a scrappy player who has displayed he can start or come off the bench and find success. Lonzo Ball is not only a great passer but he has shown the ability to knock down the 3-point shot consistently. Both Caruso and Ball are great defenders who will help solidify the almost liquid defense of the Bulls.

The Bulls’ key pick-up during the offseason was DeRozan who is a savvy veteran with tons of much-needed playoff experience. DeRozan’s masterful ability to shoot within the 3-point line will add a much-needed balance to Chicago’s offense.

Over the last two seasons, the Bulls have done everything they can to surround LaVine with a playoff-caliber team. They hired Billy Donovan as the team’s head coach last year, who has guided a young team to the playoffs only a few years ago. On top of that, they have been very active in acquiring players to help LaVine be successful.

Now is the time for LaVine to show he can be a true All-Star and lead Chicago to the postseason. If LaVine can’t end his postseason drought with all this help, then maybe the next trade the Bulls should make is a LaVine trade to help themselves.