Who is the face of this young Chicago Bulls squad? Lauri Markkanen had an outstanding rookie season and hadn’t even scratched the surface of reaching his potential. In the absence of Zach LaVine, the Finnish big man became the focal point for the Bulls’ offense, averaging over 15 points per game and producing 15 games with 20 points or more, including two performances where scored 30+.
Gar Forman and John Paxson took a risk on Jabari Parker, another offensively gifted forward without a heap of defensive acumen. He too will have legitimate claims to being one of the Bulls’ best building blocks. The former second overall pick is betting on himself taking a two-year, $40 million deal with the second year being non-guaranteed. Parker will have more motivation than just proving his naysayers wrong as he aims to rejuvenate his career in his native town of Chicago.
Markkanen and Parker are pieces to the puzzle as the Bulls look to rebuild their franchise but the key to it all is backcourt dynamo, Zach LaVine. LaVine himself has no doubts about it as he divulged to ESPN.
“I believe in myself, I believe in my work, and I’m going to show the city of Chicago it’s a good choice, and I’m here to stay. I’m going to be their guy, and I’m ready to do whatever to help this team get back to that spot.”
For him to become ‘their guy’, he’ll need to take some big steps on the floor. In saying that, here are three bold predictions for Zach LaVine heading into next season.
Next Up: Bold Prediction 3
