The Thad Young screen wasn’t a good one.
Not that it mattered in the mind of Zach LaVine.
Down three to the Clippers and the final seconds waning, looking for a teammate wasn’t an option for the Bulls guard. Over the last three seasons, it seldom has been in those situations. So when Los Angeles’ Patrick Beverley slid around Young’s attempted pick and got into LaVine’s right side, the shot was already up.
LaVine called it a good look.
The ball disagreed.
Air ball, Clippers win, Bulls slipped to 4-7 on the season.
So what is the state of the team 11 games into a less than kind 2020-21 regular-season schedule? Actually, better than expected. There’s been improved fight, a real offense rather than the gimmicky product seen last season, and development.
If the big picture is to get back to the postseason in the next two seasons, grab that fifth or sixth spot, and be a one-and-done, the Bulls are on their way back to mediocrity.
If, however, there’s championship aspirations and a hope for sustained excellence? Then now is the time to strike. Which means if the right deal presents itself the Bulls need to move LaVine by the trade deadline.
This is not an indictment on LaVine by any means. If anything it would be a chance for him to better his situation and possibly get on a team with immediate postseason chances. A scenario he deserves.
LaVine is the consummate teammate, coachable, and a hard worker.
Off the court, he’s the guy you want to marry your daughter. On the court, however, he’s also the guy that’s about to demand a max salary just when the current Bulls reboot is about to grab traction.
It’s simple math, and the numbers are on a collision course where they just don’t add up.
LaVine is currently the fourth-highest scorer in the league at 27.7 points per game. Sure, he’s the only player in the top 10 in scoring to have a player efficiency rating below 21, but let’s not nitpick.
What LaVine also is? How about 55th in player salary this season, and scheduled to be 53rd next season? Somebody is due a serious raise.
Now if LaVine was willing to talk extension with the Bulls and go home-town discount for $23-$27 million per year over three years, it would be pen to paper without blinking for the organization. Problem is that doesn’t seem to be the case.
According to a source, LaVine is not only looking for All-Star respect, but financial respect when the time comes. The two sides could have inked a team-friendly three-year, $76-million deal before this season started, but moved on from it.
What the organization has to ask themselves is do they want to commit $30-$35 million per year for a player that has elite scoring ability at the guard spot, but enough deficiencies in the rest of his game where he doesn’t translate into an alpha on a championship team?
Here’s a few important factors to consider: One, the last two-guard driven team to win a title was Kobe Bryant’s Lakers in 2010, and LaVine is no Bryant. Two, the last nine NBA champions have one common piece – a forward who can defend multiple positions. Three, the 2021 free agent class that was supposed to be historic has quickly dried up, so help isn’t exactly on the way. And finally, the 2021 NBA Draft class is loaded with forwards and a few point guards that could have generational talent.
If the Bulls stay lottery bound, and can trade LaVine for a second lottery pick or a pick just outside the lottery, as well as an expiring contract? Pull the trigger.
Rookie Patrick Williams has shades of a poor man’s Kawhi Leonard. At worst, he’s a bigger, better version of Boston’s Jaylen Brown, and that’s turned out just fine.
That’s the building piece.
Otherwise, pay LaVine and stay the course. Mediocrity awaits.
