Zach LaVine is rapidly building his case for a breakout All-Star season during this preseason and a full offseason to adapt to Jim Boylen's style. The Chicago Bulls' leading scorer is already showing his mettle to start his second full season of action with the team, quickly becoming a threat to be among the best guards in the Eastern Conference.
The Renton, WA native proved he's ready to be the focal point of the offense from his very first preseason game, a 22-minute showing that saw him score 16 points, grab six rebounds, and dish out five assists in a 10-point loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. LaVine would then go toe-to-toe against No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson, dropping 28 points in 24 minutes in a two-point loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, shooting the ball with rousing efficiency.
LaVine looked aggressive, bouncy, and most importantly assertive of his decision-making on the floor, even when he turned the ball over or made mistakes with his reads on defense. His attitude itself looks to have evolved from seasons past, taking full ownership of his value to the team and finally looking fully comfortable with his new team — an understated part of what truly makes a player an All-Star.
After missing the third preseason game with Boylen deciding to sit out his entire starting lineup, the 6-foot-5 shooting guard dropped 26 points in 25 minutes against the defending champion Toronto Raptors on Sunday, giving the Bulls their first win of the preseason — all while registering a game-high plus-30 during his run:
🔥 @ZachLaVine went off last night against the Raptors, finishing with 26 points (9-14 FG), 5 rebounds and 4 assists in 24 minutes.
👀⬇️ pic.twitter.com/VQVA12FdRp
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 14, 2019
LaVine is becoming more efficient, picking his spots with more audacity and reaping the fruits of that change, as he's shooting a sparkling 55.8% from the floor in three preseason games, along with canning 11 of his 19 3-point attempts through the early get-go. The 24-year-old shot close to 40% from 3 in two of his first three seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves, and he could very well go above it this season with the right supporting pieces around him.
LaVine also has a far easier run in competition than years past, poised to battle the likes of Ben Simmons, Kyrie Irving, Kemba Walker, and Bradley Beal for a spot as an All-Star selection in the Eastern Conference. While Kyle Lowry could also be in consideration, the Raptors will likely use him as a facilitator for Pascal Siakam, Norman Powell, and OG Anunoby, which will hurt his efficiency. Victor Oladipo is expected to miss the first few months of the season, which could also eliminate him from contention. Having the All-Star Game in Chicago should only help LaVine's cause.
The only question remains whether Zach LaVine can lead the Bulls to enough wins to warrant an All-Star nod. His numbers will speak loudly for him, but the results also should if he is to hold the honor for the first time in his NBA career.
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