This Post is About Zach LaVine (and Other Bulls Bullets)

I can finally rest. After weeks of pumping endless Zach LaVine All-Star content, the Bulls guard was finally given his first nod on Tuesday night. With that out of the way, we can now shift our focus permanently to the bigger picture. We can finally focus more on the supporting cast and the major decisions that this organization will inevitably have to make as this season stretches on …

JUST KIDDING ZACH LAVINE ALL-STAR CONTENT DUMP LET’S GOOOOOO

https://twitter.com/Dan_G33/status/1364381363747618817?s=20

https://twitter.com/BN_Bulls/status/1364406347069083649?s=20

•   Damn. Doesn’t it just feel so good? LaVine is the 18th All-Star in franchise history and the first since Jimmy Butler earned his 4th trip to the big game in 2016-17. The award for LaVine may not change the Bulls fate immediately, but to say this doesn’t add an entirely new layer to LaVine’s Bulls’ future would simply be a lie. As silly as the game might feel at times, and as fan-focused, the events are at All-Star Weekend, the recognition means something for an organization. LaVine has been named one of the Eastern Conference’s best players, and this All-Star achievement further emphasizes to the new front office that they could have a serious building block already on their roster. All we have seen from LaVine over the past several seasons is progress, and now with an increasingly sound infrastructure around him, we are seeing an All-Star caliber player. You don’t let a player on that trajectory walk. Simple as that.

•   As I’ve said before, it’s hard not to look back at how the Bulls handled the Jimmy Butler situation and see an opportunity to rewrite history. I know the comparison is far from perfect, especially since the decision ultimately landed you another All-Star, but this franchise has seen what can happen when you decide not to pay a rising star. The organization plunged headfirst into a pile of atrocious basketball. They lost practically all relevancy around the league, and thus became an afterthought for any other star on the move. Players like LaVine – a.k.a. All-Stars – just don’t come around too often (it’s been five years, people). Is he the No. 1 player on a championship-caliber team? No. But can he play a pivotal role in helping the franchise (1) regain national attention and (2) play more competitive basketball? Yes, and that’s exactly what we are seeing happen right now. With that All-Star nod now in place, I just don’t see a future for this team that doesn’t include LaVine. The guy is a pice.

•   An All-Star one day, and unveiling your first pair of shoes the next. What a dope week for Zach.

•   About five minutes after LaVine was named an All-Star, I received several texts that said something along the lines of “so … he’s got to the dunk contest now, right?” Look, I would love for him to brush off the two trampolines attached to his body as much as the next guy, but I think it’s time to let all of that go. LaVine has wanted to prove he was more of a dunker for years, and I don’t think he is going to muddy up his first true All-Star nod by resorting to the classics. Also, like he said in his media availability last night, he wants to save his legs. With the Bulls in the playoff picture, I’m more than cool with that.

•   Speaking of the playoff picture, the Bulls could move up to the No. 7 seed tonight with a win over the Timberwolves. The team has had issues playing down to opponents in the past, but their ability to blowout an 11-18 Rockets team like they were supposed to be was a pleasant surprise. Consistency is key, though, and tonight is another great opportunity to show fans that this team’s mentality has truly changed for the better.

written by

Elias Schuster is the Lead Chicago Bulls writer at Bleacher Nation. He started with BN full-time in 2019 immediately after graduating from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign with a degree in Journalism (yes, he started with the Jim Boylen Era). Since joining, Elias has been the driving force behind Bulls and NBA content for both the site and social accounts. You can follow him on Twitter/X @Schuster_Elias.

more bulls news

Best Defense of the Season, Playing Big, Javonte Green’s Instant Impact, and Other Bulls Bullets

Lose to the 14-win Wizards one game and hold the Pacers' elite offense to their worst performance of the season the next. Your 2023-24 Chicago Bulls, everyone! As I said in last night's Enhanced Box Score, I'm now even more...

WOW: Minnesota Timberwolves Sale to Alex Rodriguez Falls Through

The Minnesota Timberwolves dropped a bomb on Thursday morning. According to a statement released by the Timberwolves and Lynx ownership group, the franchise is no longer for sale. A transition of power was thought to be in place over the...

Enhanced Box Score: Bulls 125, Pacers 99 – March 27, 2024

I got to be honest, I'm even more upset about the Washington Wizards' loss. If the Chicago Bulls played like they did tonight, they would have beaten that depleted Wizards team by 40. This was a locked-in group from the...

Javonte Green Makes Bulls Return… Immediately Does Awesome Stuff

Javonte Green has officially made his Chicago Bulls debut ... again. The 30-year-old signed with the organization via a 10-day hardship deal on March 22. Injuries to Lonzo Ball, Zach LaVine, Patrick Williams, and Julian Phillips paved the way for...

WATCH: Alex Caruso Snatches Rookie Ben Sheppard’s Ankles

Alex Caruso will always be known for his defense capabilities, but he's showing a lot more than that this season. The veteran guard is averaging double-digit points for the first time in his career. A big part of that has...

Draymond Green Ejected Less Than 4 Minutes Into Game Against Orlando

Draymond Green was at it again on Wednesday night. Out East to take on the Orlando Magic, the Golden State Warriors watched Paolo Banchero bulldoze Andrew Wiggins to the rim early in the first quarter. As Banchero high-fived his teammates...

Pre-Gamin’: Indiana Pacers at Chicago Bulls (7:00 CT), Projected Lineups, How to Watch, More

Everything was awful on Tuesday. Be Better. https://twitter.com/chicagobulls/status/1772971933161705610?s=20 Game Info Indiana Pacers (41-32) at Chicago Bulls (34-38) – 7:00 p.m. CT on NBC Sports Chicago (TV) and 670 The Score (Radio) Projected Starting Lineups Chicago Bulls Coby White Alex Caruso Ayo Dosunmu...

Around the Association: Caitlin Clark Gets Big(3) Offer, Knicks Getting Help, Lakers OT Thriller, More

It's hard to believe we have less than three weeks remaining in the NBA's regular season, and we should be in for some real drama down the stretch. The Knicks have plenty to play for in their remaining 11 games...

WHOA: NCAA Looking to Ban Prop Betting on All College Athletes

As the NCAA men's basketball tournament gears up for the Sweet Sixteen, the college sports world received some big news. On Wednesday morning, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that NCAA president Charlie Baker wants to officially ban prop betting on college...

NBA Playoffs Update: Several Races Are Still Undecided

The NBA season is winding down. We have some awesome races for the NBA Playoffs to keep an eye on in the final 2+ weeks of the season. The top seed in the West is still up for grabs in...

Latest News

Matt Eberflus Opens a Window to the Chicago Bears Draft Plans

NFL coaches are notoriously tight-lipped. And in his first two seasons as Bears head coach, Matt Eberflus has been no different. But every once in a while you'll catch Eberflus peel back the curtain and provide some insight regarding the...

Braves vs. Phillies: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

Ronald Acuna Jr. and the Atlanta Braves take on Kyle Schwarber and the Philadelphia Phillies in their season opener on Friday, with first pitch at 3:05 PM ET.The article below will provide you with everything you need to watch Atlanta...

Jonas Valančiūnas Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Bucks – Thursday, March 28, 2024

On Thursday at 8:00 PM ET, the New Orleans Pelicans play the Milwaukee Bucks, and Jonas Valančiūnas' 3-pointer prop for this clash requires just one trey.Jonas Valančiūnas' Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the BucksJonas Valanciunas' over/under for three-pointers in this game:...

Top 25 College Basketball Picks and Best Bets: March 28

The Illinois Fighting Illini and the Iowa State Cyclones hit the court in one of four games on the college basketball slate on Thursday that include a ranked team.How to Bet on Top 25 Games[lasso rel="draftkings-promo-1" id="299003"]Top 25 Games for...

What Does a Chicago Bears NFL Draft Trade Down Look Like?

You'd think we'd be well-versed in trade-back options after months of wondering what kind of haul it would take for the Bears to move off taking quarterback Caleb Williams with the first pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. But trading...

Diamondbacks vs. Rockies Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, March 28, 2024

The Arizona Diamondbacks look to start their season with a win as home favorites (-226) in a season-opening matchup with the Colorado Rockies. First pitch is on Thursday at 10:10 PM ET on ARID, live from Chase Field.Arizona's Zac Gallen...

Mariners vs. Red Sox Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, March 28, 2024

The Seattle Mariners look to start their season with a win as home favorites (-155) in a season-opening matchup with the Boston Red Sox. First pitch is on Thursday at 10:10 PM ET on NESN, live from T-Mobile Park.Luis Castillo...

Guardians vs. Athletics Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, March 28, 2024

The Cleveland Guardians begin their season as -156 favorites in a road tilt against the Oakland Athletics on Thursday at 10:07 PM ET, live on NBCS-CA.Cleveland's Shane Bieber gets the start, and he'll go against Oakland's Alex Wood.Guardians vs. Athletics...

Damian Lillard Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Pelicans – Thursday, March 28, 2024

Will Damian Lillard make four 3-pointers when the Milwaukee Bucks face the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday at 8:00 PM ET? If so, he'll beat his prop for the game.Damian Lillard's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the PelicansDamian Lillard's over/under for...

Brook Lopez Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Pelicans – Thursday, March 28, 2024

To beat his 3-point prop, Brook Lopez needs to make two from beyond the arc on Thursday, when his Milwaukee Bucks meet the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday at 8:00 PM ET.Brook Lopez's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the PelicansBrook Lopez's...

more bulls news