Zach LaVine with an even more highly anticipated return to the United Center on Saturday night. It was his first game at the United Center after the trade that made him a member of the Sacramento Kings. The Hall of Fame point guard was a former Chicago Bulls star, having spent his first eight seasons with the team. He remembers a strong emotional attachment to the city, stating, “It was like going home.”
Over his six-year tenure with the Bulls, LaVine became one of the top players in franchise history. In what could be considered an underwhelming career, he only became an All-Star twice. Not only that, he’s currently top 10 in franchise history for points, made three-pointers and field goals. Despite the team’s struggles, which included a record of 174-242 and only one playoff appearance during LaVine’s time, he left a lasting legacy in Chicago.
The vibe in the United Center was as electric as it ever gets. The fans stood up and cheered until LaVine finally lost his composure, symbolizing everything that he meant to the team. LaVine received the tribute treatment from the Bulls, who aired a tribute video loaded with his best career plays. This loving testimony was a powerful reminder and emotional counterweight to the day’s festivities. In response to the warm welcome, LaVine stood up from the bench to acknowledge the crowd, reflecting on the bond he shares with Chicago.
“I am happy with the legacy I left behind in Chicago,” – Zach LaVine
While LaVine’s return was filled with nostalgia, it included a reunion with LaVine’s former teammates and coach Billy Donovan. After the game, he mustered up some chuckles and embraces with fellow Chicagoan DeMar DeRozan. DeRozan, now an Ironman and LaVine’s Kings teammate after three seasons in Chicago, saw a glimmer of hope. The sense of camaraderie was palpable, as the presenters joked and shared memories from their years together.
On the subject of his time with the Bulls, LaVine admitted it wasn’t all good or all bad. He accepted their glimmers of future potential. Unfortunately, 5 big issues were preventing them from crushing it as a team.
“We saw a glimpse of how good we were, but I think there’s a lot of things that go into that as well,” – Zach LaVine
Walter spoke fiercely about the barriers he faced as a Professional in Chicago. He clearly communicated that a winning attitude had to permeate the entire organization.
“It takes a winning mindset from top to bottom, and we just didn’t get it done. Sometimes you have to live with that. You have to look at yourself in the mirror and everybody else does as well, figuring out why it didn’t work,” – Zach LaVine
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