Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine probably can’t believe this happened. A high-flying sharpshooter, his penchant for highlight reel plays brought him to star status. However, LaVine has been painted as the weakest link of his team’s star trio, leading to a steady wave of criticism.
That’s not just from the outside though.
Bulls’ Zach LaVine Opens Up About Criticism Amid Trade Talks
LaVine “has also felt singled out during film sessions and feels like he has taken too much blame for the team’s losing during his tenure —which has produced one playoff appearance in seven years —despite other roster failings,” per ESPN’s Jamal Collier.
Conversely, Donovan “believes he’s been trying to get LaVine to buy in to a more team-friendly playing style… emphasizing the way the Bulls competed in LaVine’s absence last year as evidence for the team’s potential if LaVine fits within the system.”
Donovan “flew to Los Angeles for a few days in July to spend time with LaVine and continue to invest in their relationship, the feedback from which was positive,” Collier adds.
Is He A Winning Player?
LaVine has oft been criticized for not being a winning player. Much like Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker, he was considered more flash than substance, scoring empty points. With the Minnesota Timberwolves going just 60-146 in his time with the franchise, it’s impossible to argue against the notion that his stats didn’t translate to success.
Nonetheless, the team was being led by Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins in his Minnesota tenure.
Towns and Wiggins have been under fire throughout the career for the reason as LaVine. That isn’t to absolve LaVine of his responsibility. Yet, to add nuance to the discussion, it’s worth noting. Furthermore, both Towns and Wiggins shown in recent years that they can be highly valuable pieces for playoff teams. This lends credence to the idea that their supporting cast mattered at least as much as their own play.
Turning Over A New Leaf
LaVine’s flaws are readily apparent.
Though he’s a talented scorer, one of the few hyper athletic players with a silky jumper, he’s not the quickest decision-maker. With pace and ball-movement hallmarks of an efficient offense, his tendencies need to stifled in order for the Bulls to maximize their efficacy. At the other end, LaVine has the physical tools necessary to be an effective on-ball defender.
However, like many scoring-minded players, his effort and awareness at this end have left a lot to be desired. With that said, he’s now the Bulls’ most reliable offensive option.
Chicago is opting for a youth movement and he isn’t supposed to be there. Regardless of that fact though, they now need to tackle the reality of him being on the team. They’re not paying $43 million to a healthy and skilled player for him to sit on the bench.
Starter or Reserve?
Of course, they may want LaVine to accept a bench role.
After trading for Josh Giddey and Coby White’s improvement, the Bulls may feel inclined to start them in the backcourt. In a display of maturity, LaVine very well may accept that. However, ego has often gotten in the way of stars taking a demotion well, so it’s not particularly likely. Whether that results in him starting as a nominal small forward or White playing as a sixth man again, the two-time All-Star will prefer to start.
If the conversations with Donovan were positive, that’s all that may matter. Though the two are far from friends, a professional relationship doesn’t have to be intimate. They just need mutual respect and understanding.
