The raw numbers say Zach LaVine is on the path toward superstardom. He averaged 23.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists last season, all career-highs, while managing solid efficiency as the Chicago Bulls' top offensive option despite some questionable shot selection. Once LaVine prioritizes hunting more efficient field goal attempts and continues growing as a playmaker, there's ample reason to believe he'll be among the most dynamic guards in basketball.
But the overall appraisal of LaVine's game tells a different story than the raw numbers, and defense is the biggest reason why. A net negative defensively throughout his career, he remained as much last season despite a clean bill of health in wake of a 2017 ACL tear and the appointment of defense-first coach Jim Boylen in early December.
The good news: LaVine is not only aware of his defensive deficiencies, but has vowed to improve upon them in 2019-20.
“I know I have to be a complete player, two-way player,” he said, per Bulls beat writer Sam Smith. “I feel I showed flashes last year (on defense), especially on the ball. But I can be better off the ball. I've been saying for a lot of years I will play better defense. So now is the time. I'm one of the most athletic guys out there. So there's no reason why I shouldn't also be a lock down defender.”
LaVine and the young Bulls should benefit immensely going forward from the presence of free-agency signee Thaddeus Young, a versatile, disruptive defender who some believe should have garnered All-Defense consideration during his final year with the Indiana Pacers. Chicago's defensive rating last season was 112.8, 25th in the league.
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