[wipes away tears] They grow up so fast.
First All-Star in the books⭐️ Humbling experience. Can’t wait to be back! pic.twitter.com/VjqBVzi0g3
— Zach LaVine (@ZachLaVine) March 8, 2021
• I felt like a stupidly proud father last night. Every time LaVine popped up on the screen, I was basically the Leonardo DiCaprio meme from Once Upon A Time in Hollywood. He would laugh alongside a superstar, and I’d feel all kinds of gitty. He would score a bucket, and I’d cheer like it was a buzzer-beater. He would give the dunk contest participants some advice, and I’d smile so big my cheeks hurt. I know he finished with only 13 points and a couple of highlight plays, but gosh damn it was so great to see Chicago finally represented on that stage yet again. Not to mention, it couldn’t have happened to a more deserving Bulls player. LaVine was far too often judged for things that were far out of his control. The guy has continually supported the franchise, worked his ass off (all the way from an ACL injury), and improved his game. Last night’s recognition was a long time coming.
Zach's first All-Star game ✔
13 points | 5-10 FG | 3 assists | 3 steals pic.twitter.com/OUG7S1yFZd
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) March 8, 2021
• What is one thing LaVine hopes to accomplish with his first All-Star appearance out of the way? Help the Bulls get more All-Stars! How can you not like this guy?
Zach LaVine on his All-Star Game experience and mindset he'll take back to the #Bulls: "Let's get a couple guys in here next time."
— Cody Westerlund (@CodyWesterlund) March 8, 2021
• Ok, well now I’m even more happy Anfernee Simons won.
Anfernee Simons says he went over to Zach LaVine multiple times to ask if his dunks were “worthy”. pic.twitter.com/u6R9gHch0t
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) March 8, 2021
• A rather big report dropped this morning …
REPORT: Thaddeus Young Is Not Available in Tradehttps://t.co/9DNhPInKhA
— Bleacher Nation Bulls (@BN_Bulls) March 8, 2021
• I’d encouraging everyone to take this news with a grain of salt. While The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor is a credible basketball source, there is no question things can change. The trade deadline is still two and a half weeks away, which means there are still 17 days worth of conversation that can happen. I would truly be *shocked* if the Bulls had anyone other than Zach LaVine “off the table” right now. Young has been instrumental in the success we’ve seen thus far, but it is simply a fact that he isn’t (1) a cornerstone piece or (2) on a long-term contract. Both those things keep the door wide open for a possible deal.
• In my opinion, I think what we see reported from O’Connor above is kind of like a bargaining chip for the Bulls front office. While I could easily envision a world where Young goes play out the remainder of the season in Chicago, I can almost just as easily see the opposite. Arturas Karnisovas likely knows that teams will only get more desperate as the deadline nears. With all the interest we know is out there, it would be silly for the Bulls not to play hardball. It’s just business.
• Also, let’s not forget there are still games to be played before the deadline. The Bulls have 10 games to go before the deadline and six of those are against current playoff teams. The trajectory of the Bulls season could very well change for the better or worse over that stretch, and thus it could greatly impact what the organization decides to do at the deadline. Not to mention, Lauri Markkanen and Otto Porter should both return to the floor over that stretch. How each player performs out the gate could influence what the front office considers a possibility with both expiring contracts.
• We get it, you’re scared of Thadgic Johnson and All-Star LaVine! Yeesh. These two squads will matchup three times during the second half with games on April 4th, May 11th, and May 15th.
Blake Griffin is wearing No. 2 with the Nets. The six-time All-Star will earn $1.2M for the remainder of the season with Brooklyn.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 8, 2021
• The Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons thing was scary for a second there, but it looks the NBA made it out of All-Star Weekend mostly unscathed.
Players, coaches and officials COVID test results all returned negative from All-Star Game on Sunday, league spokesman tells ESPN. No on-court infections in Atlanta. Everyone was tested three times in Atlanta, including post-game last night.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 8, 2021
• Do the Bulls next!
We’re Back: Chicago Cubs and Chicago Mayor Announce Fans Officially Welcome at Wrigley Field – https://t.co/tM9xU2duN4 pic.twitter.com/iXtEBDKp7I
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) March 8, 2021