Ranking the top 50 NBA players of the 2021-2022 season: 30-21

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JULY 20: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns drives around Jrue Holiday #21 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the first quarter in Game Six of the NBA Finals at Fiserv Forum on July 20, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

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Top 50 NBA players: 24. Zach LaVine

Previous Rank: 39

Last season was an explosive leap forward for Zach LaVine. The last three seasons he has progressed as a number one option but this season, under new head coach Billy Donovan, he made drastic strides. He averaged 27.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game, all career highs. This level of increased production led to him making his first All-Star appearance and prompted the Chicago Bulls to trade for Nikola Vucevic at the trade deadline. Now with an increased infusion of talent during the offseason, LaVine is facing the highest expectations of his career.

This is the year for LaVine to take the next step as a winner in this league. He was exposed to the best of the best in the All-Star game and then with his Olympic experience. He was able to showcase his potential as a defensive stopper for the national team and should be expected to carry forward some of that responsibility to his time with the Bulls. For a team with plans of making the postseason in what is a contract year for LaVine, this progress cannot come soon enough.

LaVine is a beacon of hope for a franchise looking for one since the initial tear in Derrick Rose’s ACL. Now they feel like a team on the rise and, perhaps better yet, one that should be fun to watch. LaVine will remain the straw that stirs that drink.