This season hasn’t been the ideal start for the Chicago Bulls. The organization has been the textbook example of everything that can go wrong, will go wrong. And what went wrong last week was two-time all-star Zach LaVine going down with a foot injury.
But in the last week without LaVine, the Bulls have gone on a four-game winning streak.
There’s already been some disconnects in the locker room this season in Chicago. All signs are pointing to Zach LaVine getting traded this season, as well as DeMar DeRozan, to kickstart a rebuild for the directionless Bulls. But maybe they aren’t as directionless as they have seemed.
Now I’m not saying that Zach LaVine is some weight that is holding the team back from success. But I am saying that maybe he’s not suited to be this team’s number-one option.
Bulls hot streak
The Bulls’ most recent victories were over the lowly San Antonio Spurs and a Lamelo-less Charlotte Hornets. But they did kickstart this streak with victories over the New Orleans Pelicans and Milwaukee Bucks, both of which were semifinalists in the in-season tournament.
One shining star during this streak has been fifth-year Coby White, who’s been the full-time starter in the absence of Lonzo Ball. White is averaging his career high in points per game this season. But through these four games, he’s averaged 24.3 points, 6.5 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game.
What does this have to do with LaVine? Thus far in the season, White only had two games with more than 16 shot attempts. He’s done that three times in the last four games. LaVine is a well-known offensive talent, but his average 18.2 shot attempts per game make it difficult for other teammates to get in an offensive groove.
But White, alongside other teammates, are looking forward to the return of their star.
“Obviously, with Zach out, being the caliber of player he is, it allows for more opportunity. But you can’t replace Zach LaVine,” White said. “We try to do it collectively and try to make up for what he does on the floor.”
The Zach LaVine trade market
The Bulls announced that LaVine is expected to miss three to four more weeks with his injury, which gives him a targeted middle-January return date.
This would be around the time that free agents that signed this offseason would become trade-eligible. LaVine reportedly had no trade market last week as reported by Adrian Wojnarowski, but that interest could spike after those trade restrictions are lifted.
Despite all the rumors around his name, LaVine has insisted that he is committed to Chicago.
“The main thing I’m thinking about is getting my foot right, help these guys continue winning and playing like this,” LaVine said. “I’ve got a Bulls jersey on and committed here. For as long as I’ll be here, I’ll still support and love Chicago and go out there and play my heart out for these guys. That’s never gon’ change.”
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