Zach LaVine expected to face the most pressure this season for the Chicago Bulls

The heat will we be on for Zach next season

© Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls are not expected to compete for an NBA title; nobody covering the league has yet to mention the team as a title threat this season, and for good reason. This current version of the squad is considered to be somewhat uninspiring. However, it doesn't mean the Bulls aren't under pressure to at least show some improvement.

One player who will be under a lot of scrutiny is All-Star wingman Zach LaVine. As the team's most skilled and highest-paid player, all eyes will be on the former slam dunk champion to see if he can bring the Bulls to new heights.

Explosive offensive skills

LaVine is a bona fide bucket-getter who can rack up points in an exhilarating fashion. His quick release and tight handle make him a constant threat to get to the rim or pull up from deep. He also knows how to use his athleticism to rise over defenders in the paint for a highlight slam or a nifty finish. However, all the points and highlight reels have done little to impact the win column, whether in Minnesota or Chicago.

"It remains a major question just how good a team can be if he's a first or second option. Just one of his nine NBA seasons have featured a playoff berth, and that can't all be tied to his supporting cast. The Bulls were postseason participants right before acquiring him in 2018, and the Minnesota Timberwolves snapped a 13-year playoff drought as soon as he left," Zach Buckley wrote.

Heavily invested

The Bulls are heavily invested in the high-flyer, inking him to a massive five-year, $215-million contract that kicked in last season. That's a lot of money to commit to one player who evidently cannot lead the Bulls to the postseason. While LaVine isn't solely at fault, someone making the most money on the team should make a bigger impact over the year.

"The Bulls are betting on him taking the leap from someone who piles up points to a player who elevates the cast around him. Chicago's plan of fielding a competitive club can't compute without LaVine showing he can lead a winner," Buckley said.