Chicago Bulls: 5 most polarizing figures of the 2010’s

5. Guard Zach LaVine (2017-present)

For a few years now, the Bulls have lacked a true identity. They haven’t had a superstar since Derrick Rose, and in coping with that, many fans thought they overpaid for Zach LaVine once upon a time.

When LaVine was a free agent in the summer of 2018 and the Sacramento Kings signed him to an offer sheet, the fan base was totally split on whether or not the Bulls should match it. Personally, I was fine if they chose not to match it.

Fast forward a season and a half, and LaVine’s deal actually looks like a bargain. He’s become the focal point of the Bulls’ offense and has proven he can take over games at times on that end of the floor. Last year and this season, so far, he’s averaged over 23 points per game. This year, he is shooting his best percentage from long distance (39 percent).

Still, there is a feeling that the organization could trade him at any point. He might have evolved offensively, but LaVine still can’t defend to save his life. Statistically speaking, he’s one of the worst rated defenders in the league over the course of his career.

There are several fans whom still believe the Bulls shouldn’t have matched the offer purely based off his lack of defensive prowess, and some who think the Bulls should trade him this year. The fan base was pretty split on him a couple of years back, and many are still split today.