Craziest Statistic That Proves Chicago Is A New Contender

Zach LaVine's stint on the sideline has brought several head-scratching developments, including improving a few individual players, some staggering team statistical differences, and the overall record in his absence. 9-4 without a team's advertised best player is truly an anomaly, but one that might need further investigation by the Bulls' front office before his return. Wins against the Philadelphia 76ers on the road, the In-Season Tournament Champion Los Angeles Lakers, and playoff teams in the Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat, and New Orleans Pelicans make for an impressive resume in December. How far can the new-look Bulls go, and will LaVine's return to the lineup send them back to mediocrity?

Entering The Playoff Mix

After 18 games with Zach LaVine in the lineup, Chicago was 5-13, eyeing a high-lottery draft selection in the 2024 draft. A full-blown firesale of any assets not carrying into the 2024 season was inevitable until their two-time All-Star guard was sidelined due to a foot injury. Since that point, led by Coby White's three-point shooting, DeMar DeRozan's late-game heroics, and a more well-rounded team effort, the Bulls have ripped off nine wins in 13 outings, firmly replanting themselves in the playoff picture. They're currently 14-18 and own the 10th slot in the Eastern Conference.

Growth Of The Young Core

The list of individuals who have skyrocketed their numbers during this time is extensive. White is leading the way during this stretch with 23.4 points, 6.3 assists, and 6.3 rebounds per game, all improved from his 18-game start to 2023. Ayo Dosunmu is averaging over ten points, two assists, and three rebounds, as opposed to his previous numbers of putting up six points and less than two assists and rebounds per contest. Patrick Williams's numbers have boosted from 8.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and a 36% three-point shooting percentage to 13.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and a 52.3% clip from deep, including a career-best seven-game streak of two or more three-point field goals.

New-Look Bulls Would Be Contending For Eastern Conference Title

The most mind-boggling stat of Chicago's magical December run is the comparison to their conference. If the season began when LaVine was sidelined, the Bulls would sit third in the Eastern Conference with a 9-4 standing, only trailing the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks.

In Nikola Vucevic's first game missed since the 2021-22 campaign, Andre Drummond was thrown into the starting role for the first time as a Bull. In dominating fashion, he finished with 24 points on 11-for-13 from the field and 25 rebounds, including ten offensive boards. His 39 minutes were only the fourth time he's cracked 20 minutes of floor time for Chicago and his most minutes since the 2021-22 season with the Brooklyn Nets. He'll see more court time moving forward and have newfound interest as the trade deadline approaches in February.

Chicago has a new vibe, and the Bulls are rolling as they head into 2024. Does LaVine have a place in this new-look roster configuration, or is it best that the front office reaches a mutual split and he can get a fresh start elsewhere?