"He looks like a different player to me" -- Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan on Zach LaVine's offseason gains

With his knee injury already in the rearview mirror, Zach LaVine is ready to rock the rim once again.

Billy Donovan, Zach LaVine / © David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls' All-Star wingman Zach LaVine has always had electrifying hops. It's what he hung his hat on during his Minnesota days, capturing two slam dunk titles along the way. After suffering a knee injury and going through arthroscopic surgery back in May, Bulls head coach Billy Donovan says LaVine is back and better than ever, which does not bode well for opponents this season.

Ready to rock the rim once again

After going through rehab all summer long, LaVine came into training camp looking to get his rhythm back in time for the season opener on October 19 against the Miami Heat. So far, the results have been overwhelmingly positive, leaving Donovan so impressed that he implied LaVine looks like a whole "different player."

"The first thing that stood out to me is that he looks really strong, physically. He's put, to me, good size on, good strength, he looks really explosive. He looks like a different player, to me, during training camp," said Donovan.

Billy Donovan says that Zach LaVine’s strength has stood out to him in training camp so far

“He’s put good size on, good strength. He looks like a different player, to me.”

Adds that, back to full health, LaVine’s “athleticism/pop” is back

— Rob Schaefer (@rob_schaef) September 30, 2022

Donovan added that the UCLA product looks rejuvenated and bouncy, unlike late last season when LaVine played through his injury but was obviously hampered by it.

"I think he's got his athleticism, his bounce and his pop back," said Donovan.

LaVine feeling good

NBA players come to training camp in varying degrees of shape and readiness, but it's clear that LaVine is ready to hit the ground running this season.

"I feel good," LaVine said. "Training camp has been really good for me. This is my first live action. I actually surprised myself a little bit, how I was feeling. I thought I was going to have to work my way in a little bit more. But I've been playing pretty good."

Zach LaVine stays smooth like butter. pic.twitter.com/EvAkFzLdTL

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) September 30, 2022

LaVine's numbers were great last season; he averaged almost 25.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. Donovan will look to LaVine to be more of a playmaker this season as the Bulls try to push for the playoffs in the loaded Eastern Conference. 

The 27-year-old will have to be on top of his game from day one if he wants to live up to Donovan's lofty expectations, but it looks like LaVine is primed and ready for a big season. Exciting times lie ahead for Bulls fans.