USA Today via Reuters
Jan 22, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (8) gets a dunk during the first quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 22, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (8) gets a dunk during the first quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Michael Jordan is easily the greatest guard in the history of basketball. He is also the majority favorite for the GOAT conversation, as he will always hold an untouchable 6-0 Finals record. Jordan has plenty of regular-season accomplishments to boast as well. A 5-time MVP, 1-time Defensive Player of the Year, and a 10-time scoring champion, Jordan is unmatched.
However, a new Chicago Bull is rising to the challenge. While Zach LaVine is way off matching the production of MJ in contributions to winning basketball, he is easily the best player the city has seen in a long-time. Playing the same position as Jordan did before him, he is trying to match up to the icon. His regular-season stats tell the story thus far.
Zach LaVine’s averages this season:
26.6 points
5.3 rebounds
5.1 assists
51% shooting
1.3 stealsThe only other Bull to average those numbers: Michael Jordan.#NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/rER0zUhFzS
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) February 2, 2021
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MJ’s achievements will not be easy to match for anyone. However, LaVine’s trajectory points to a massively positive sign. Zach isn’t the defender Jordan was, but his chops in the modern offense make him an elite scorer. Hopefully, it results in wins soon enough.
Michael Jordan: Still way ahead of the pack
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Michael Jordan is the measuring stick for the elite of the elite. Even though LaVine is doing very well this season, he isn’t even close to what Jordan has achieved in that uniform. Zach is yet to go to the post-season in Chicago, with even this season looking to be an uphill battle.
via Getty
Michael Johnson #23, shooting guard for the Chicago Bulls prepares to make a shot during a Central Division game in the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association (NBA) 1988 – 1989 season at Chicago Stadium, Chicago, United States. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Allsport/Getty Images)
However, matching any Jordan statistic for averages is a sign that a player is progressing in the right direction. While LaVine may never be as proficient as Jordan was on defense, he can replicate the offense. Evidently, he is doing his best on that end.
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However, even though Zach’s numbers are objectively great and possibly historic, they aren’t Jordan numbers. When Jordan matched those same statistical requirements, he did it while averaging 30 points. Along with that, he went on to win rings in some of those seasons, showing how he can win trophies and not just put up big numbers. Hopefully, LaVine progresses in that direction as well.
