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Chicago Bulls: What to expect from Zach LaVine in 2017-18

By Allana Tachauer

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 3: Zach LaVine
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 3: Zach LaVine /
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The Chicago Bulls are entering the 2017-18 season with an entirely new look, complete with Zach LaVine as their point guard.

For most Chicago Bulls fans, it has finally sunk in: The Jimmy Butler era has officially come to an end. What may be even harder to swallow, however, is the fact that his trade marked the beginning of a rebuild.

Yes, after years of being in limbo, the organization has chosen to start anew.

Not good enough to even dream of a title but not at the bottom of the barrel either, the Bulls lived in the land of mediocrity for some time now — something that held them back from making any progress in the league and was frustrating to players and supporters alike.

Therefore, the front office had to make a choice. Although building a franchise back up again is never easy, it is certainly the first step of many, in the right direction.

The Butler trade did more than just signal a rebuild though. It landed new faces in Chicago, specifically Kris Dunn, Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen — all exciting acquisitions, with a little something different to offer.

So what can fans expect from LaVine?

For starters, he’ll be a work in progress. As an individual player, the 22-year-old is still developing. With 2017-18 marking his fourth season in the NBA, LaVine is still finding his footing in the pros.

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    • But the shooting guard has had more to adjust to than just the switch from college to the league. Having played under three coaches already (Flip Saunders, Sam Mitchell and Tom Thibodeau), he has had to change his focus year after year.

    For example, most recently with Thibodeau, LaVine has had to learn how to be more defensive-minded. And while playing for a handful of coaches can certainly help create a better-rounded player, it can also make it hard to know what to prioritize.

    Now, the Washingon-native will have to buy into an entirely new system: that of head coach Fred Hoiberg. Offensively-driven, Hoiball demands fast play up and down the floor, along with quick releases — not exactly the type of thing that Thibodeau preaches. Combine learning a new style of coaching with an (almost) entirely different slew of teammates, and it is easy to see why LaVine may have his work cut out for him.

    There is also his recent injury to keep in mind. Having tore his ACL in February, the young buck is still recovering. And while fortunately, LaVine’s reconstruction surgery was successful, it is not always an easy road back.

    However, he could potentially grow into a great centerpiece for a young Bulls team.

    There is no arguing against it: the raw talent is there.

    Having averaged 18.9 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists a game in 37.2 minutes last year, LaVine showed his worth in Minnesota. And what’s more, he improved from 14.0 points, 3.1 assists and 2.8 rebounds per matchup in 2015-16, proving he had yet to reach his potential.

    The two-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion may not be back on the court for a while, but once he makes his return, he will surely be regarded as a leader for this ball club.

    While LaVine may be one of the youngest guys on the team, his work ethic is that of a seasoned veteran. He has already broken several records, such as becoming the youngest Slam Dunk Contest winner since 18-year-old Kobe Bryant back in 1997, and setting a franchise-high for scoring 35 points off of the bench as a non-starter. He once played besides the likes of Kevin Garnett as well, undoubtedly having gained invaluable advice.

    So to say LaVine is well beyond his years would be an understatement.

    It is true that Chicagoans may need to be patient with the newcomer, and try not to expect too much out of him right from the start. But they should also be excited for what his future holds, especially in regards to how he can help shape things moving forward.

    Next: The 50 greatest NBA players of all time (updated, 2016-17)

    Zach LaVine will need time to find his place within the Chicago Bulls organization, but be sure that once he does, the team is his for the taking.

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