Many Bulls fans were hoping Zach LaVine wouldn’t be attending the Chicago Bulls 2024 Media Day for the reason of being on another roster. After the departures of fellow veteran talents Alex Caruso and DeMar DeRozan, the surefire bet was that LaVine was next to go. Nonetheless, he’s still with the franchise headed into his eighth year in Chicago and, according to him, is primed for his best one yet. His actual thoughts on seeing two starters depart in favor of getting younger as an organization will be unknown until he’s no longer with the organization. However, what’s been relayed to the fans is that he’s ready and excited for the youthful new depth chart. Here’s what he had to say to the city of Chicago.
Fully Healthy, Ignoring The Past, Ready For The Future
“Extremely happy to be back,” is how LaVine opened up his media day session. After a 2024 NBA trade deadline, when he was possibly the hottest name in the organization, including his representation releasing a list of preferred destinations in any transactions, this is an interesting choice of words from the two-time All-Star. He noted that any news regarding himself or his opinions will come straight from the source, himself or his agent, Rich Paul. As one of the highest-paid and lowest-producing stars in the league, the rumors are constantly swirling; from his performances to his behavior, LaVine is always under a microscope.
LaVine’s greatest asset has been his scoring ability. Arguably one of the best off-ball perimeter scoring options leaguewide, LaVine’s three-point threat and downhill skills make him an asset unlike any other within the organization. With new running mates Josh Giddey and the reformed Coby White, he could be gearing up for a career year.
Ready For Whatever The Coaches Direct
LaVine has been infamously known as a superstar who has demanded touches or changes if things weren’t in his favor. Clearing all of the past tidbits, true or false, he’s making the record clear today that he’s 100% on board with whatever the coaching staff asks. With an influx of new young talent, including a new starting point guard and rookie forward who will likely come off the bench, Chicago’s offensive output is a mystery, their rotations and lineup configurations unknown, and chemistry entirely revamped. Does Coby White take more of the reigns after last season’s explosion? Does Buzelis push his way into the starting lineup and require more usage? LaVine is willing to adjust as needed.
Does LaVine deserve a new vote of confidence from a Bulls fanbase that has written him off after several years of disappointment and sporadic play? With a new supporting cast, it’ll be interesting to watch as his new role unfolds.
