Chicago Bulls: 5 bold predictions for Zach LaVine in 2018-2019

Bold Prediction Number 5

LaVine will have his best season yet as a defender

One of the reasons I believe LaVine will be a better defensive player is due to the amount of pressure taken off of him by other guys added. Obviously, he will still add a lot to this team offensively. But, so will others like Jabari Parker and Wendell Carter Jr. Let’s not forget the guy who can really fill it up on any given night, Antonio Blakeney.

With a bit of pressure lifted, it will allow LaVine to be a more well-rounded player.

Get this: Per NBA.com, LaVine ranked as the fourth-worst in the entire NBA in defensive rating among players who played a minimum of 30 games last season. His defensive rating came in at 114.8, meaning that per 100 possessions, he would be expected to give up nearly 115 points over that span.

Look, I get it. LaVine’s biggest worry is his inefficiency as a defender. However, I truly believe we will see a different player this year. He’s been traded. He’s suffered a major setback. He’s come through quite a bit since entering the league just four years ago.

This season is his biggest season yet. It’s time for him to prove he’s worth the money and worthy to be called a star in this league. To do that, his game has to become a bit more diverse — and I think it will.