Zach LaVine's career is on the line as he returns to the Chicago Bulls

I don’t think I’ve looked forward to a Chicago Bulls game more so than the upcoming ones. There’s a lot on the line. After having some pretty good success the past few weeks , the Bulls have lost four of their last six. The shooting is in the toilet. Injuries are piling up and Matt Thomas isn’t walking through that door. They need a shot creator who can give you 20+ points and be a threat from the three-point line.

But where would you find someone like that?

Enter the Attackary of Zachary. He’s backary. Simply put, the Bulls need help. Zach LaVine can provide that.

But also, Zach needs help. The Bulls can provide that.

Now, I’m not saying this to be bombastic. I’m not saying this for headlines, clicks or likes.  I’m saying this because I truly believe it. Zach LaVine’s career is on the line. 

Let me break it down like a fraction (Rest and Love to Bernie Mac). In November, young Zachary and the Bulls agreed to explore potential trade options to other teams that wanted his Attackary. It was his first time in that position and he has the right agent in Rich Paul and Klutch Sports navigating things.

Everything seemed like it was going to be a quick and painless move. The Bulls make this trade, get back some assets and continue on with their season while Zach LaVine gets a fresh start in St. Elsewhere being either the third option on a good team or the second option on an okay team. Cool. Case closed. Bang the gavel, judge.

But not so fast. Things started happening that most weren’t expecting. LaVine got hurt and the Bulls started playing better. Playing more as a unit. The young guys getting an opportunity to have more shots and more space on the floor started to showcase in the spotlight. The Bulls had a winning month and not a one-game over .500 winning month. Like a real, legitimate winning month.

On the other side Zach LaVine suitors begin to dry up like the Sahara. Teams wanted him but the offers were pretty low. The Bulls wanted young players and assets back and what they were being offered were tuna melts, two pairs of socks and a couple of bags of Big League Chew.

According to Woj and other NBA insiders the desire around the league to trade for Zach LaVine has dwindled immensely. Tumbleweed. Crickets. That has to sting. Let me tell you something I know about a relationship (I’m single): When you’re in a relationship one of the key things you can do for your mate is make them feel wanted. Desired. That you want them around and they are of value to you. Zach LaVine has been told by several teams he isn’t wanted or desired. That stinks.

But where he is wanted and needed is still here in Chicago.

At least for the time being. 

So why do I feel his career is on the line? Simple. If he still wants to be traded, Zach needs to be able to showcase to the league he can play within a system and be a winning player. That he can actually affect winning. That he is not selfish and a ballhog (he’s not but that some perceive it that way) but a great teammate with a ton of tools that can help a team go deep in the playoffs. And most importantly (for some) that he is worth his contract.

Look, I’m not saying he’s not going to be well off. He’s young, Black and rich. He’ll be fine. I’m saying his opportunities to showcase his talents and be part of a postseason winning team may be few and far between if he cannot adapt. If he can’t show that he can affect winning, then his options will be slim and his career will take a hit. I’m sure he wants to be on a winning team but if he can’t play within a system he can end up in a much worse situation where he’s scoring but not winning.

Sadly, he knows that feeling and so do we. I do not want that for him and his future.

This can be a mutually beneficial relationship between the Bulls and Zach. What do the Bulls need? Three-point shooting, shot creator, additional offensive threat. LaVine can provide that. What does Zach need? A stage to showcase to the rest of the league that he is a valuable asset to any team. The Bulls can provide that stage. If it all works right, Zach can put teams around the league back in the mood like one of Ohio’s finest writers. It’s right there in front of him. It’s right there in front of the Bulls. Will they grab it together? I have no idea. But I am damn sure excited to watch what will happen next. Let’s Go Bulls. Peace and Love. 

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