Zach LaVine has done everything he has been asked for since joining the Bulls in 2017.
The guard can score at the All-Star level and has improved his defense, his rebound and his game. In the meantime, he has become the face of the organization on and off the pitch.
But is that enough?
Has LaVine shown that he can be an elite player who can bring bulls back in the post-season, or is he just a bridge until the true apparent heir shows up?
More importantly, is it possible that the heir is present in the NBA 2020 project?
The franchise has challenged the odds of the lottery to the first fate – see Derrick Rose – but not since 2008. The seven last three drafts for the Bulls were the last three drafts, getting the
seventh general choice dating back to the beginning of
reconstruction in 2017.
With a 7.5% chance of hitting number 1 this time and a 7.8% chance of hitting number 2, what if Georgia scoring guard Anthony Edwards is there for the catch?
Is Bradley Beal next with a more eye-catching outside game, or is it Dennis Smith Jr., who showed promises early on with the Mavericks, but has since crumbled with the Knicks?
The Bulls have time on their side with LaVine. They have another season to decide if they want to extend the former first round pick and two more seasons to check his contract to see if his rise continues.
This does not mean that Edwards should be out of the game, however.
The last three seasons of disappointment, including being one of the “eight eliminations” left out of the 22-team restart bubble, should point out to the new front office that the players they have now aren’t good enough.
There should be no untouchables, even at the point of two guards where LaVine is the starter and the 2019 first round Coby White pick-up is backup. Bulls must determine if White is a guard point or more suitable for the combo.
This reconstruction is still incomplete. No stone – or perspective project – should not be overturned.
1. Anthony Edwards, Georgia
Edwards is the best two guardians of the draft and is located on top of most shooting boards. His offensive game is based on explosiveness and strength, with an external game that remains inconsistent.
Like most players in this class, there are flaws in his game, starting with his defending energy. His athleticism and size should make him an elite defender, but his willingness to play in both fields has been questioned.
The good news is that it has the tools to embrace the defensive side of the floor.
In a draft with almost nothing certain, Edwards could be the player who becomes a superstar.
2. Devin Vassell, Florida State
Just like ex-Bull Jimmy Butler was leaving Marquette, Vassell is a tweener, able to play off guard because of his athleticism, but at 6-7 he can also be a winger.
Check two key boxes for whichever team grabs him: he shot 42 percent three points last season and was an available defender.
3. Tyrese Maxey, Kentucky
The theatrical performance during his year in Kentucky has never lived up to the publicity he had had in high school, especially with his inconsistent offense.
What he showed, however, was his ability to defend and the strength to become a solid NBA appetizer for years to come.
