Being one of a franchise’s star players comes with a lot of responsibility. And when those responsibilities aren’t met, especially in a crucial game, all fingers will more than likely be pointed at you. This is the current tale of Bulls guard, Zach LaVine. During the team’s devastating 150-136 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves this past weekend, “multiple teammates directed frustration at Zach LaVine” during a “strong exchange” at halftime, according to NBC Sports Chicago reporter, K.C. Johnson.
Eager to find answers as to why Johnson took the opportunity to ask Coach Billy Donovan about the heated clash among his players. Donovan’s reply? “Confrontation is healthy,” and it’s a “good thing.”
Oh.
Sounds like coach is just trying to keep the peace despite other news reports sharing a different perspective. Reportedly, by The Athletics’ Shams Charania and Darnell Mayberry, the reason for the Bulls drama was due to LaVine and his teammates not “seeing eye-to-eye.” Joe Cowley, a sports reporter for the Sun Times, also alluded to another confrontation that occurred after the game.
Sources indicated that there was a blowup between players at halftime of the Timberwolves loss, causing Bulls coaches to go into the locker room while they were talking outside. Source said it was the second time it happened. The other was right after a game.
— Joe Cowley (@JCowleyHoops) December 20, 2022
In addition to what was reported by Cowley, The Athletic also reported that there has “been a palpable feeling across various parts of the franchise of a disconnect over LaVine’s situation in Chicago.” Looking back at what has transpired in just a little over a year, it’s hard to fathom how the disconnect between players commenced. This time last season, Chicago was on a high, sitting at the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. Fast-forward to the present day, the Bulls are holding an 11-18 record – a far reach from being contenders in the post-season.
“I think everybody goes through ups and downs, just like every team does. Obviously if we’re not winning games, not everybody’s going to be happy. It’s not going to look good as it was before. It’s all glitter and show when you’re winning games. But when you’re losing games, and you’re trying to do the same things it’s turmoil. Everybody has their right to their own opinion. For me, I keep my head down, I work on my game and try to help my team. I help try to lead the team. That’s where I stand. I just try to take it day by day and evaluate how we’re doing.”– Zach LaVine
Now, if you’re wondering why there’s so much attention on LaVine, even when it looks like this is a team-wide issue, it’s mainly because of high expectations, essentially. LaVine signed a five-year, $215M max deal this past summer, and the 27-year-old was expected to play at a high caliber coming into the 2022-23 season. Respectfully.
The other star of the Bulls squad is, of course, DeMar DeRozan. DeRozan hasn’t had as much pressure placed on him, but some have reported that these two Bulls star players need to get it together if they wish to succeed in Chicago – if they wish to have a fighting chance in the post-season.
To add more fuel to the fire, rumors of a trade are already circulating fast. See how this one YouTube breaks down the trade scenario after news of the Bulls drama went down.
