NBA News: Bulls coach Donovan delivers strong message to star Zach LaVine after Grizzlies game

Speculations have been doing the rounds Zach LaVine‘s future with that Chicago Bulls in recent months, especially after the star guard’s season-ending injury last year. After Saturday’s game against the Memphis GrizzliesHead coach Billy Donovan had some words of encouragement for LaVine.

Speaking to Sam Smith for the team’s official website, Donovan praised LaVine’s performance: “Zach was really decisive. He took his pictures while they were there. What was encouraging about the threesome was that there was no hesitation; He just went up and shot. He had a great start and an incredible three-point shot. He can run. He can go 0-on-4 and then come back and do 6-on-6, so I’m not worried (in case he goes missing).”

Despite ongoing trade rumors, Donovan reiterated LaVine’s importance to the team. “I thought he was really decisive, and when he had daylight and a crack, he shot. We need him for that“,” he said. “If he has steam, his athletic ability and his ability to shoot the ball and throw it on the floor, He’s really hard to protect. He is one of the better open-floor players in transition“, he finished.

LaVine’s performance against the Grizzlies was impressive by any standard. In straight 22 minutes on the pitchhe counted 28 points, 4 assists, 2 theftsand was perfect 6 against 6 from three-point distance. His stats could have been even better, but he was rested in the fourth quarter.

Despite the good performance, LaVine’s future with the Bulls is still uncertain. He is currently in the third part of the five-year contract extension for $215 million He signed in 2022 and owned 30% of the team’s salary cap. Zach is currently on the trade market, However, due to the size of his contract, it seems unlikely that he will move to an NBA team at this point in the season.

Donovan praises the 2023 rookie after his performance

Beyond LaVine, rookie Julian Phillips He also caused a stir with his strong performance. The 20-year-old striker, originally from the Boston Celtics in 2023improved with an outstanding shooting performance and finished with 21 pointsincluding 5 of 8 from three-point rangemainly from the left corner.

Donovan had high praise for the young forward after Saturday’s game. “Julian, he was really good. He had some good runs and didn’t have to run into traffic, but He played really, really wellDonovan said to Sam Smith. “He is a good cutter, very active on the glass and shot the ball well. I don’t think tonight was a coincidence. I feel very comfortable when he plays basketball” he said.