Chicago Bulls: 3 players facing the most pressure in 2018-19
1. Zach LaVine
In terms of pressure, few Chicago Bulls will face the intensity that Zach LaVine will next season. After Chicago decided to match the Sacramento Kings’ four-year, $78 million offer sheet for the Bulls guard, LaVine became a lightening rod for public scrutiny. Whether he was deserving of such a large deal remains to be seen, but he will have the opportunity to prove his worth.
Recovering from a devastating ACL injury, LaVine made his Chicago Bulls debut on Jan. 13 against the Detroit Pistons. After his return, LaVine appeared in 24 mostly choppy games, averaging 16.7 points per game on 38.3 percent shooting. For Bulls fans, these numbers don’t equate to a $19.5 million average salary.
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For LaVine, the most effective way he can silence his critics is proving last season was directly influenced by his recovery from knee surgery. Known mostly for his high-flying Slam Dunk Contest victories, LaVine will be expected to be a more complete player for the Bulls.
LaVine needs to improve his shooting percentage, particularly from long range. His 34.1 percent shooting from deep should be boosted by at least three percent. His overall percentage will need to at least mirror his best season in Minnesota, which was 45.9 percent in 2016-17.
It won’t be simply his scoring output. LaVine will have to mesh with other competent scorers like Markkanen, Parker and even Dunn for the the Bulls to find success.
Similar to Parker, LaVine shows an aversion to defense. With his athletic ability, his porous defense is equated more to simple lack of effort. Too many times LaVine either took bad angles or just gave up too early on plays. While he can be a highlight reel offensively, he gives up too many high-flying acts on defense.
I am truly terrified that they are going to give him a big deal. He has such poor natural feel on defense. I don't know how much you can coach him up on stuff like this. pic.twitter.com/C4ELuUFzre
— Steph Noh (@StephNoh) March 10, 2018
The Chicago Bulls face many challenges in the upcoming season. The development of Carter and Hutchison as well as the maturation of Markkanen will be key for the long-term.
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However, the successes or failures of Dunn, Parker and LaVine will determine the direction of this franchise in 2018-19.