After Zach LaVine's stellar preseason game against the New Orleans Pelicans, Chicago Bulls head coach Jim Boylen called the swingman a “special cat.”

In 24 minutes of action, LaVine dropped 28 points and three rebounds. It's a pretty great performance considering that it's just a preseason game where most players are taking it easy. Per K.C. Johnson of NBCS Chicago, Boylen said:

“Zach’s a special cat. He’s locked in, man. He really makes it look easy at times. I’m proud of him.”

Article Continues Below
More Chicago Bulls News
Noa Essengue stands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the 12th pick by the Chicago Bulls in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Buzelis
Bulls’ Noa Essengue draws Pascal Siakam comparisonZachary Howell ·
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) defends Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) during the first quarter at United Center.
Bill Simmons piles on Bulls for Lakers tradePreston Byers ·
Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (0) reacts toward an official after an offensive foul as Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) holds him back at FedExForum. White received a technical foul.
Bulls GM teases offseason plans with list of players ‘all coming back’Scotty White ·
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) drives the ball against Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (3) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena.
Bulls labeled ‘unserious franchise’ for Lakers draft tradeJulian Ojeda ·
Lakers head coach JJ Redick gestures to his team during a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter at Paycom Center
Lakers make 2nd-round draft trade with Bulls to jump 10 spotsScotty White ·
Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan reacts to a call during the fourth quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center.
Marc Eversley’s ‘patience’ take after Noa Essengue NBA Draft pickScotty White ·

The 2019-20 season will be Boylen's first full year as the Bulls' head coach. He'll have the chance to implement and apply his own system, as well as create a team's identity based on the pieces he's been given.

LaVine, tagged as the team's star, will be at the helm amid all of this. He's not just expected to carry the offensive load, but he's also expected to be the leader. Last year, he played 63 games for the Bulls and notched career-highs in points (23.7), rebounds (4.7), assists (4.5), and field goal percentage (46.7).

Despite this, the Bulls just won a mere 22 games. LaVine's preseason performance might be an indication that he has new tricks up his sleeve which will not just bolster his individual play but will translate into actual wins.