Chicago Bulls: Zach LaVine captures hearts after undefeated preseason

These Chicago Bulls will, indeed, be different.

After all of the offseason moves and the building of hype surrounding this new roster, it looks as though Billy Donovan has himself a ball club.

The Bulls finished off an undefeated preseason Friday night with a win over the Memphis Grizzlies, and the team’s big three took center stage.

Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic and DeMar DeRozan combined for 73 points in this one as the Bulls won 118-105. After the game, it was LaVine who made Bulls fans proud with his notable statement about how this team looks to him as a leader.

"”I did it this past summer in the Olympics, playing off the ball. It’s a blessing to have all these go-to guys, get them the ball and get out the way. I’ll be here when you need me.”"

Zach LaVine’s humility and leadership will be the catalyst for a successful Chicago Bulls season in 2021-2022.

After reading a quote like that from the leader of this team, all we can do is sit back and be thankful. To see the growth from LaVine over the years has been a tremendous sight to behold. He has not only grown into a solidified scoring threat and the best player on this team, but also a true leader.

Watching the four preseason games this year, one can see the difference in this team. Everyone is bought in. LaVine has said multiple times that he’s playing with a bunch of guys who just want to win — and it shows.

The Bulls have shown balance throughout the preseason, having a couple of games with six or seven guys finishing in double figures.

This roster can ultimately go 12 men deep if need be, which is something we haven’t seen from a Bulls team in about a decade. The depth they have built is refreshing, and LaVine knows it.

The way he has spoken about this team is much different than years past. LaVine knows they are building something special, here. The way he and his teammates have conducted themselves speaks volumes. These Bulls are here to compete. They’re here to win, and LaVine is at the center of it all.

It is pretty rare that a roster, featuring more new players than returning ones, goes on to make a serious postseason statement. At least, it’s tough for teams like that to succeed right away. But, if this preseason is any indicator, the chemistry is already there. The belief in this system is there.

Donovan has clearly done a wonderful job with implementing his system for these new guys, and the entire team is playing together. They’re ready to prove the critics wrong.