Is negative narrative dogging Bulls' Zach LaVine warranted?

The narrative surrounding Zach LaVine, a two-time All-Star for the Chicago Bulls, has become increasingly toxic.

Injuries limited LaVine to just 25 games in 2023-24, when the 29-year-old averaged 19.5 points on 45.2% shooting – his lowest scoring output since his first season with the Bulls in 2017-18.

This dip in production, coupled with Chicago's recent struggles, has fueled a wave of criticism that’s hard to ignore.

Is the negativity toward LaVine warranted? Let’s delve into the most common criticisms of his game and offer perspective.

Defense

One of the loudest criticisms is that LaVine is a defensive liability. However, the stats tell a different story.

In his last healthy season (2022-23), LaVine ranked a solid 33rd of 539 qualified players in Defensive WinShares . He also held his assignments to a 34.8% mark on corner threes and 36.1% on above-the-break threes. Those are numbers comparable to backcourt teammates Alex Caruso and Coby White, who are known for their perimeter defense.

LaVine might not be the second coming of defensive standout Jrue Holiday of the Celtics, but he’s far from a sieve. He can get lost fighting through screens, and his slight frame (6-foot-5 and 200 pounds) can be a disadvantage against larger wings on the block, but he holds his own on defense.

Winning

LaVine’s lack of playoff success is often used against him. He has played in only four playoff games despite being in the league 10 seasons. However, it’s crucial to remember that winning in the NBA is a team effort.

Many All-Star guards have struggled to win without the right supporting cast. Atlanta's Trae Young has advanced past the first round of the playoffs once in six seasons. Phoenix's Bradley Beal, an 11-year veteran, has yet to reach the conference finals. Even Milwaukee's Damian Lillard, with his lengthy career, has only one conference finals appearance (2019).

The days of a lone superstar guaranteeing his team playoff success are over. The league has become too competitive, and it takes a collective effort to win.

Detractors often point to the Bulls improved record with LaVine sidelined last season as evidence of his negative impact. However, this oversimplifies the situation.

The Bulls finished the season a ho-hum 29-28 without LaVine in the lineup, but seven of those wins came against the tanking Wizards, Pistons, Spurs and Trail Blazers. Furthermore, three of the Bulls' top performing five-man units during the 2023-24 season featured LaVine.

In reality, LaVine brings strong value

LaVine’s offensive skills are undeniable. He’s a step-back three-point shooting menace with logo range. When he gets hot, he’s virtually unstoppable.

LaVine uses the threat of his elite burst to create separation from his defender in the midrange or behind the arc. Or does he use the threat of his outside stroke to create driving lanes to the basket? Regardless, it's a potent combination.

LaVine’s true value lies in his ability to generate offense in clutch situations when defenses ratchet up intensity and possessions often stall. During the 2022-23 season, he proved this by scoring 100 total clutch points , ranking 19th in the league, even while sharing the court with DeMar DeRozan, who took the third-most late-game shots in the league.

Resurgent season

According to Bulls vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas, LaVine has been fully cleared entering the 2024-25 preseason.

Whether he remains with the Bulls or is traded, expect him to have a resurgent season. With his health restored, LaVine is poised to silence his critics and remind everyone why he’s an All-Star talent.