Chicago Bulls: Finally time to see what Zach LaVine can do

It’s official, Chicago Bulls fans: Zach LaVine is back. Or rather, he will be this Saturday against the Detroit Pistons.

It’s been an arduous, almost year-long journey for the hyper-explosive LaVine, who tore his left ACL on February 3 of last year. And it goes without saying that no one wishes that on him again. After all, we’ve seen our share of heartache with career-altering knee issues.

And yet, that injury may have helped guide him here, as the Chicago Bulls were finally able to coax him away from Tom Thibodeau with his future in doubt along with Kris Dunn, something they’d been trying to do for a year.

Funny how things work out that way.

At last, the Bulls will start to see what they have starting on Saturday. And while they’ll bring him along slowly, they’ll still hope to see glimpses of his magic.

On paper, LaVine’s scoring ability could make him a bonafide star at shooting guard for the Chicago Bulls, which they haven’t had in…a long time. I’m not going to say exactly how long because if I do, I’m going to say two words that will unintentionally cause mass chaos.

Anyway, he can create shots for himself with his quickness and athleticism, shoot the three and get to the rim at will. And that’s where all the fun usually happens if you remember.

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Plus, as I mentioned a long, long time ago, his chemistry with former Minnesota Timberwolves Kris Dunn will create some fun moments in transition. Two of the most athletic young finishers in the game running with one another down the court? Yes. I’ll indeed take that.

While I could see the outside possibility of LaVine starting Saturday, I think it may be wiser to let him work off the bench. He’s a confident guy, but it might be easier to get him going with the second unit at first.

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Besides, we all know his destiny is to start. Fred Hoiberg will probably have him starting beside Dunn by the following weekend. I just don’t think you have to rush it, and it would go against their caution with him in the first place.

I’m also glad that this particular recovery went the right way and that LaVine is playing when his body is ready. As such, I’m not scared about what will happen when he takes the court on Saturday. I’m just chomping at the bit to see it.

Look for him to play as many as 20 minutes on Saturday. And don’t expect him to go off; he needs to get a rhythm first. As long as he feels good shooting the ball and sees a few go down, I’m good with that.

And hey, a nice transition dunk wouldn’t hurt either.

Next: What will Bulls' rotation look like with LaVine's return?

All in all, it will just be great to finally have one of the key pieces of this rebuild back on the court. Let’s just hope he doesn’t take this Chicago Bulls team to the playoffs just yet…