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Chicago Bulls: Buy or sell Zach LaVine as an All-Star?

By Rob Schwarz Jr

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 14: Zach LaVine #8 of the Minnesota Timberwolves competes during the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest as part of the 2015 NBA Allstar Weekend at Barclays Center on February 14, 2015 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 14: Zach LaVine #8 of the Minnesota Timberwolves competes during the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest as part of the 2015 NBA Allstar Weekend at Barclays Center on February 14, 2015 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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Chicago Bulls Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Zach LaVine is an All-Star

Before we get into reasons why fans should buy-in on Zach LaVine being an All-Star, I must define how I separate the terms All-Star and Super-Star. In my opinion, there is only a handful of Super-Stars in the NBA. Somewhere between 8 and 10 players are true Super-Stars. Russell Westbrook, LeBron James, and James Harden come to mind. Anthony Davis is on the fringe but always hurt.

These are just a few examples. However, someone like ex-Chicago Bull, Jimmy Butler is on the opposite side of the fringe as Davis. He is definitely an All-Star, but I would not put him in the Super-Star category. I also would not put Zach LaVine there. I do not foresee him ever reaching that level either. That said, I can see him being a true All-Star for the rest of his career if healthy.

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Alright, now to the reasons why LaVine is an All-Star. Scoring is the first thing that comes to mind when I think about Zach LaVine. His defense is likely the last. In 2018, LaVine made more shot attempts per game than he had in the past. Prior to last season, LaVine never averaged more than 15 shot attempts per game. Last year though he put up 18 shots per game.

If he is able to continue this trend, the Chicago Bulls will love the results. In 2018, Zach LaVine finished 16th in scoring. LaVine actually averaged more points per game than Russell Westbrook did last year. If the Bulls can find a way to stop their opponents from scoring, LaVine could lead them to some high scoring victories. He has been great already in the preseason.

Furthermore, LaVine has continued to show growth with his game. He went from 92nd overall to 30th in ESPN rating between the 2017-2018 season and the 2018-2019 season. This alone gives promise that LaVine has All-Star potential. Are you buying this is enough for LaVine or is he still too much of a liability?

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