Just when Chicago Bulls fans were starting to get nervous, they are breathing a sigh of relief now that Zach LaVine has returned.
The Bulls guard was out for multiple games because of a left knee injury and his time away from the team was not good for Chicago.
The former number one seed in the East lost four-of-five games without LaVine and they also suffered a few other injuries.
That’s why it’s so good that he’s back.
Even though his return game was a nail-biter, the Bulls pulled it out and many are now hoping they are back on the right path – even if they’re still lacking some important pieces.
LaVine Doing His Thing
To recognize how much LaVine was missed, you need to take a look at the season he’s had so far.
24.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists are LaVine’s main stats for the 2021-22 season.
Zach LaVine this season:
24.9 PPG
4.8 RPG
4.2 APG
49% FGBulls are currently the No. 1 seed in the East.#ZachLaVine #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/rOlr8xfIyc
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 19, 2022
But there is so much more to him than just that.
This year, LaVine is shooting a field goal percentage of 48.7 percent and a three-point percentage of 40.8 percent.
In just about every way imaginable LaVine has stepped it up and he’s a vital part of the Bulls’ resurgence in the East.
He’s always been a mighty fine basketball player but LaVine really is playing with more power, enthusiasm, and skill than he has in the last few years.
But it can’t be ignored that he’s just one part of this killer Bulls lineup.
Beat-Up Bulls
Chicago is currently missing two of its biggest stars: Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso.
Both are suffering from injuries that will have them sidelined for about six to eight weeks.
DeMar DeRozan might be the leader of the Bulls but both Ball and Caruso are very important parts of it too.
Ball is becoming an excellent point guard and few other NBA stars play with the same enthusiasm and die-hard spirit that Caruso has.
Without these two, a lot of pressure has been put on other guards and players in the lineup.
That’s why it’s such good news for Bulls fans to see LaVine again.
On both sides of the floor, LaVine has been proving himself and has been doing phenomenal work – and all of it is needed right now.
Zach LaVine is insane pic.twitter.com/3OnWwTpCj4
— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) December 28, 2021
It’s also perfect timing because DeRozan is needing a break.
He’s definitely the team’s heart and soul and its breakout star but if the Bulls want to make it far into the postseason (which seems all but inevitable at this point), he will need to go easy on his body and find moments to rest and have some of the pressure taken off his shoulders.
LaVine can do just that – he turns the Bulls into much more a well-balanced team.
Despite a few recent losses, the Bulls are easily still one of the best teams in the NBA right now and it’s because they have so many powerful weapons in their arsenal.
One of those weapons is LaVine and it’s time for him to be firing on all cylinders again.
NEXT: How The Bulls Can Replace Alex Caruso