4/30/2023 0 Comments Zach lavine stts![]() One could argue that LaVine is a step up in offensive potential from McCollum-if nothing else because he’s hyper-athletic-but the gain is marginal. Ultimately the Lillard-McCollum backcourt wasn’t sustainable because they couldn’t defend well enough as a pair. Lillard and McCollum shared the court seamlessly on offense, mostly because McCollum was willing to defer when necessary. The Blazers just parted ways with CJ McCollum, a different kind of player than LaVine, but still massively talented. LaVine would scuttle that, leaving Lillard’s weaknesses fully exposed. Lillard looks good on defense when he’s surrounded by active, space-eating defenders. He’d also pair with Damian Lillard, who is not the best straight-up defender himself. Whether he played at shooting guard or small forward, he’d displace a better defender in the rotation. If the Blazers were to acquire LaVine, any claim to getting better on defense would be lip service, at best. LaVine has shown marginal improvement from his early seasons, but he’s still an exploitable defender. No matter how many high-flying dunks and dagger threes make the Top Ten Plays reel, half the game is still played on the defensive end. After an initial bout of excitement about their prospects, the Bulls got lampooned for their utter lack of defense this year. He is, and will remain, a legit #1 option, one of a couple dozen players who could lay claim to that distinction.Įven so, LaVine is not a comfortable fit in Chicago, at least not entirely. In 2021-22, Chicago compiled a winning record and made the playoffs, a crucial item for LaVine’s portfolio.Īt 26 years of age, LaVine is just entering his prime, with his best potential years ahead. His playmaking has taken a leap forward with the Bulls. LaVine has also improved in non-scoring areas. He’s earned twin All-Star berths, scoring 27.4 and 24.4 ppg with high percentages from the field and from the arc. LaVine has improved his stock over the last couple of seasons. But the distance between “linked with” and “playing for” is vast. They won’t mind being mentioned as a potential hotspot. The Blazers will have interest in multiple players, I’m sure. ![]() Portland’s an easy target for that kind of play. It’s in the best interests of players and their agents to create buzz. You can expect the Blazers to be linked with plenty of free agents this year, simply because they can create cap space, in theory. LaVine is poised for a hefty payday from someone. What do you think of it? How true are the rumors and do you think it’d make us better to get Zach? It’s one of those moves that makes me nervious looking at it but then if it was done, let’s be honest, I’d probably get really excited. Zach Lavine to Portland? I have mixed feelings. Could a Blazers-LaVine union work? The Blazer’s Edge Mailbag is wondering whether the possibility is real, and how good of an idea it might be. They also need to restock talent after dumping several veterans mid-season last year. The Blazers have the potential to create salary cap space to sign same. ![]() The two-time All-Star is an unrestricted free agent this summer. They can settle down into a rather comfortable position atop the East on their upcoming homestand.In early returns from the 2022 NBA Trade and Free Agency period, the Portland Trail Blazers have been linked with Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine. ![]() The Bulls have completed a tough road trip with flying colors. HkYZ8UZrjKĪlso Read – They said I wouldn’t be able to finish at the rim vs the bigs in the NBA… Looks like I’m doing just fine! Grizzlies’ Ja Morant reacts to leading the league in Paint Points. It was only the 35th occasion in franchise history that they’ve managed such a feat. The Bulls also finished with a 100% free throw conversion – a stupendous stat given that they took 22 freebies all through the game. Zach is, after all, playing through an injury to his left arm. He seems ready to take the lead in their MVP standings this year once he’s back to full fitness. LaVine has only scored less than 20 points once in this season – a win vs Detroit. Zach also swished all 4 of his free throw attempts. He finished with 36 points on the night, going 14/24 from the field and 4/9 on 3s. Zach LaVine was clearly the Bulls’ offensive hub in this game. This was his 13th 20+ pt game of the year. DeMar DeRozan finished with 7-of-21 shooting on the night. But the Compton-born former All-Star still had 26 points, mainly on the strength of his 12 made free throws. DeMar struggled for rhythm from mid-range for a bit tonight.
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