Chicago Bulls: 3 unlikely candidates for a breakout season in 2018-19

1. Zach LaVine

Zach LaVine’s arrival in the Windy City came with some uncertainty. Although he was having a career year in his third NBA season with the Minnesota Timberwolves, his season was cut short thanks to a torn ACL injury.

Considering that the organization had prior experience in this area, there was no rush to get him back on the court. Eventually, LaVine made his Bulls’ debut in mid-January and scored a total of 32 points in his first two games.

Overall, LaVine played in 24 games for the Bulls last season, with averages of 16.7 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.0 assists per outing. He shot a less than impressive 38.3 percent from the field, but did manage to shoot a somewhat respectable 34.1 percent from downtown.

In other words, LaVine’s return to the court was a mixed bag. Then again, this was expected after being on the shelf for nearly a year.

If you’ve been watching the Bulls during their current preseason slate, though, you will see there is reason to be excited when it comes to LaVine.

In terms of his scoring, he has produced three 20-point games in five outings. He is also shooting 51.7 percent from the field and he has converted seven of his 16 attempts from beyond the arc.

With improved health, as well as a new four-year $78 million deal, LaVine is poised to do great things next season.