Are the Bulls better without Zach LaVine?
Looking into Chicago's improved record and how it impacts trade rumors
With the Bulls on a three game winning streak (likely four after they play the 3-17 Spurs tonight), there has been a lot of talk about the Bulls being better without Zach LaVine. I gave my full thoughts over at Sporting News here.
For those that just want the quick summary, here’s what I’ve seen.
Zach is a way harder player to incorporate into an offense than he should be. He has a tendency to grind the offense to a halt, and his off-ball effectiveness is way worse than it should be.
Part of that is on the poor fit with his teammates, and a lot of it also seems to be a disconnect with Billy Donovan.
Zach’s defense has regressed this season. The Bulls have defended way better in his absence, and that looks sustainable.
Zach is a great player, but this isn’t the right situation for him. This is very similar to what I wrote about Lauri Markkanen before the Bulls traded him. It took Markkanen three teams before finding a set of conditions to thrive in. That may be the case for Zach as well.
Hey Stephen, thanks so much for these emails. It tethers your faithful flock to good journalism. I wish you’d do a pod! I love it especially when you’re on with the boys at cash considerations. Sadly they’re only too rare!
Anyhoo, my take on Zach has always been lovely guy, good to great shooter, pale Kobe facsimile (and I was never a fan of Kobe who himself was but a pale facsimile of MJ) , little commitment to defense when he has ALL the athletic tools to be a great defender, and most importantly; a pretty low basketball IQ. It’d be interesting to collate all his crunch time stats in his career with TO’s and wild hero ball shots when there was an open man or not.
This 3 game winning streak was the worst think that could have happened to his trade value. If there even is one. Helpfully some teams will become desperate to change things up in January and that they’re not perennial contenders whose draft picks are worthless.
I always appreciate your writing, and always enjoy reading from the viewpoint of a player’s environment, such as fit, role, and buy in. I hope your writings keep getting exposure because it feels well considered.