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Billy Donovan emphasizes a healthy Zach LaVine can fit well with the Chicago Bulls' current style of play

Donovan expresses confidence in LaVine's ability to adapt to what the Bulls are playing like now.
Stephen Beslic|
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Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls are enjoying their most successful stretch of this season so far. Making the feat more impressive is they’ve done it with one of their best players, Zach LaVine, sitting on the sidelines as he recovers from a right foot inflammation. 

While LaVine’s future with the franchise remains uncertain, Bulls coach Billy Donovan said the All-Star guard will fit in with what they’re doing right now if and when he returns.

Faster pace, better ball movement

With LaVine out, the Bulls have played a more exciting brand of basketball. They’ve embraced a faster pace and increased their ball movement, which has led to more open shots and better offensive efficiency. This has resulted in the Bulls’ offensive rating rising to 122.9 in December—a steep climb from their average of 113.6 this season.

Donovan said LaVine fits well within that style of play if he can stay on the court.

“I think Zach can play any style,” Donovan said.

“Because he can put it on the floor, he can shoot threes and he can get to the rim. So for us, with him coming back in, I think he fits in to how we’re trying to play.”

​​Bothered by the foot injury

Donovan surmised that LaVine might not have been playing at 100 percent this season, which may explain the dip in his numbers. The former UCLA star had only been averaging 21.0 points per game this season, three points less from last season.

“I think with what he was dealing with with his foot for a long period. I’m not so sure he was ever right. So, when you look at his shooting or finishing numbers, some of it may have been due to what he was dealing with and trying to fight through. But if he comes back healthy, hopefully he’ll thrive a great deal in what we’re trying to do,” Donovan explained.

Quick ball movement sparking the Chicago Bulls' best winning run in the last few years

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Stephen Beslic
STEPHEN BESLIC

Stephen Beslic is a writer on Sports Illustrated's FanNation Network. Stephen played basketball from the age of 10 and graduated from Faculty of Economic and Business in Zagreb, Croatia, majoring in Marketing.

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