How Zach LaVine can help the Chicago Bulls win more games
Without question, Zach LaVine is the Chicago Bulls’ best player. The fate of the franchise rests on his shoulders. The scenario is similar to the predicament a young Chris Paul found himself in way back in 2008. The New Orleans Hornets knew that the fourth pick in the 2005 draft was special. Over his first two seasons, he’d shown flashes of brilliance, even taking home the Rookie of the Year Award in 2006. However, the team had yet to finish with a .500 record in the CP3 era, let alone make a playoff appearance.
Then came his third season.
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Paul went from averaging a very respectable 17.3 points per game to go along with 8.9 assists during his second season to an elite 21.1 points and 11.6 assists per game the next year. More importantly, the star’s improved play translated into wins as the Hornets finished the year 56-26 while securing a playoff birth. The rest of the league took notice as CP3 was named First Team All-NBA and finished 2nd in MVP voting to Kobe Bryant. All things considered, it was a breakout season for the future Hall of Famer.
Fans in the Windy City are hoping that Zach LaVine’s 2021 campaign is like the breakout season Chris Paul had all those years ago. So far, he hasn’t disappointed. He’s had numerous 30-point outings and more than a few highlight-reel worthy dunks. He’s shown that he’s not afraid to take big shots in crunch time, and his teammates have shown their confidence in him by making sure the ball is in his hands down the stretch of close games.
Zach LaVine can increase a few areas of productivity to help the Chicago Bulls win
Although LaVine is having a stellar campaign and scoring in high numbers, the Bulls would be on the outside looking in if the playoffs started today. Wins are the one component missing from the two-time Slam Dunk champion’s scoring onslaught.
With a talented group of young guys around him and the green-light from head coach Billy Donovan, LaVine must be wondering what more he can do to put his team in the win column more often. Here are some adjustments he can make to help the Bulls get back to winning and make a return to postseason play.