Slash & Splash | What makes Zach LaVine an All-Star?

Just how good is Zach LaVine now? He's quietly become one of the best scorers in the league, but was he a worthy All-Star in 2021? How he has become so effective on offense? What are his limitations there? And how good is his defense? This detailed film room analysis looks at the Bulls All-Star guard, incorporating data and stats to understand how good he might be.
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Ben Taylor is the author of Thinking Basketball, a Nylon Calculus contributor, creator of the Backpicks Top 40 series & host of the Thinking Basketball podcast.
Stats courtesy:
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stats.nba.com
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Footage in this video is owned by the NBA and its partners. It is intended for critique and education.
Music by csus (instrumental)
#ThinkingBasketball

[@SK-mw8vd]

I really think playing on the Olympic team helped grill into Lavine's head that defense is going to win him games. He looks way more focused on that end since.

[@sophiawilliams8650]

i think its more that he doesnt need to generate as much offence so he's able to 100% lock in on D with better offensive talent around him

[@nathanharrell7485]

He was honestly playing better on defense even before the Olympic Games. But no doubt playing with all that knowledge around him probably helped even more

[@t4d0W]

@@sophiawilliams8650 that is usually the case for players who don't have to shoulder all those offensive responsibilities. AK (Bulls VP) made that a mission to realize that goal by getting more players who can help the load off LaVine on offense but also let him play his focused role on defense. Sadly Patrick Williams is who I thought is the ideal defensive anchor for the Bulls this season so everyone has to chip in more on defense.

[@theheebs100]

plus defense in general is a lot better this year

[@tommulligantravels]

The Draymond yelling at you 24/7 for 6 weeks would do that to you too

[@mrtspence]

Glad to see you posting more. The Bulls are absolutely must-watch basketball this year. Such an exciting team.

[@eaglefan1124]

Definitely one of my random night league pass teams for a great watch.

[@Vecancy]

agreed, overall the entire bulls team has some great play-making and facilitating going on with lavine, lonzo, derozan, vuc as well as caruso coming off of the bench

[@BruhWhyDidTheyChangeThis]

Love to see it. Someone get MJ out of retirement

[@lifeslemons5408]

Content depicting the archetype of scoring shooting guards like Beal, Mitchell, Booker and LaVine would be interesting. These players are especially interesting because of the unique situations they are in.

[@innerparty1]

The unique situation is that you can't win a title with these types. Simply not good enough on defense, often inefficient in high stake games and ultimately not enough size to break up playoff defenses.

[@willmael7914]

@@innerparty1 yeah I think if you want to win a ring as a guard and as the main guy, you'd need to be superstar-level on at least two of the three: scoring, passing, defense. Ik Book got Ayton and CP3 to help him so he can focus on cooking teams with his scoring, but I'm pretty sure that's not gonna be enough.

[@sharifbrown3567]

@Aravind Narayanan facts

[@yungtago9161]

@@innerparty1 You can definitely win a title with these types as long as they have the proper team around them. Having one average to below average defensive player especially at the guard spots really won’t effect much as long as the defensive scheme is good and there isn’t a specific bad matchup that targets them. Curry and Kyrie come to mind

[@joshjohnson3867]

@@yungtago9161 100%. I really feel like people just use stats way too much to justify those weird claims.

[@willfulton9276]

Ben drops nothing but bangers. I'd love to see a video on Mobley, Miles Bridges, or the effect the foul rule changes has had on some of the most prolific scorers.

[@chuckbarkley2755]

Da fouls one would be elite

[@giom3248]

@@noivern1380 not many rookies in this channel but mobley would be interesting. PS Ben is in the upper echelon of YT basketball

[@swageyamatobiyolo8068]

He's DEFINITELY doing Mobley and/or Scottie Barnes. He always does at least one rookie and these 2 are dripping with potential

[@futurehofer1564]

@@giom3248 he did plenty of videos on rookies a while back

[@Omakhara]

@@chuckbarkley2755 Yh but i think you ahould wait till Allstar to pass that judgment. Who knows how they might change/tweak things gradually so that the subjective calls (as they are called by the league) become more defined and understood. Also most teams still figuring stuff out so its hard to extract the noise from the little data there is.

[@oneman9121]

He's got one of the most aesthetically pleasing looking jumpers in the league. Devin Booker, Devonte' Graham, & Paul George all also comes to mind. Alan Houston also had a great looking jumper.

[@Christopher_D_Morgan]

Klay Thompson as well.

[@immafatazn]

carmelo anthony has one smoothest ever

[@odonnellcaleb]

It's my absolute favorite shot. I'm not saying it's the BEST so hopefully no one attacks me thinking I'm hating on Curry or anything. Everything just looks so smooth and effortless. Not even just his form but his jump..which is impressive for how high gets on his jump shot.

[@oneman9121]

@@odonnellcaleb It's my favorite jump shot form as well. Devin Booker is a close second. Curry is the GOAT shooter, but that doesn't mean he has the best "looking" jumper. It looks good, but I prefer a higher lift with more sway.

[@oneman9121]

@@Christopher_D_Morgan unpopular opinion, but I don't know if I'd call Klay's jumper "pretty". He has a wide base, and his off-the-dribble form looks stiff. Especially when he's driving right for a pull-up. Effective, but not silky smooth per se.

[@TheM.W]

Finally a Zach LaVine video... I have been waiting for such a long time. Easily my favourite player and has been going under the radar for years now. Thank you for this, Thinking Basketball.

[@sch0705]

That's why Lonzo is a perfect complement of Zach, on defense, on play making.

[@sharifbrown3567]

Lonzo works well with most people ever since he learned how to shoot better

[@BOKtober]

Lonzo is a good but not great play maker at this point , he just needs to be more aggressive which could happen throughout the year

[@TheIcemanthomas]

That’s why I really wanted lonzo in Phoenix with booker too.

[@t4d0W]

Funny enough both Lonzo AND DeRozan are interesting solutions to trying to maximize LaVines off-ball offensive efficiency. Lonzo's impact is also felt when he can be the dime dropper for the 2nd unit which boasts Caruso, White (the scorer) and other high flyers who can run up and down to put baskets in fast.

[@ryangallant7579]

Lonzo is a good passer, especially in transition, but he isn't much of a playmaker. DeRozen is much better.

[@gt12kar]

I've seen a lot of interesting points you've made about defense weaknesses for pnr ball handler defense. Could you make a video about the best pnr defenders in the game and how much they add to winning when compared to high level offensive talent.

[@tdfhion9936]

I think offensive talent adds much more to winning than defensive talent, especially as a guard/point of attack defender. He kinda touches on this in the Marcus Smart defensive profile, where defensive guards aren’t as valuable (generally) than defensive bigs. Obviously the level of talent matters but as a rule offense > defense

[@ThinkingBasketball]

Check out the Bucks (Giannis) defense last year with Bledsoe, and Smart's video. I have another this year I'd like to get to as well.

[@gabeyarris5978]

@@ThinkingBasketball hi Ben. Do you think you could do Robert Covington? I feel like he’s more of a team defender than an on-ball defender, which could be interesting to analyze. Also, nurkic could be interesting. Is he really a good defender? Does his playmaking make up for his bad finishing?

[@swageyamatobiyolo8068]

@@gabeyarris5978 Ben's editor Mike de la Rosa did a really good breakdown on Covington if you're interested kzbin.info/www/bejne/rammlXyVgrp8gac

[@auds6764]

Finally!! I’ve been waiting a long time for an upload from the GOAT

[@adityavarshney6690]

I remember watching him play live while he was on MIN. He's come a long way, and it's safe to say he's the most complete out of the Wiggins, KAT, LaVine trio despite having the least hype. Very impressive game. Hopefully playing with more skilled passers like Lonzo and Vucevic improves his reads. As it stands rn, his playmaking won't get it done in the playoffs. Defenses will stuff the paint on PnR, capitalizing on his limited lefty playmaking and conventional passing.

[@trvspvrk]

I love Zach but KAT is still better. Wolves will have a great year if everyone remains healthy

[@owethunala2632]

KAT>Lavine

[@CWJ0725]

@@owethunala2632 KAT is not better.

[@t4d0W]

Big men's growth in the NBA is a little more different because they rely more on dedicated structure than wing players to consistently do their thing. Embiid is an elite player but the Sixers org is still trying to build a roster around him to maximize his presence. Jokic on the other hand from his emergence as an offensive hub laid out the blueprint to maximize him so the Nuggets just have to be smart getting good pieces that work around him. KAT has shown the ability to play like an offensive hub with his passing (big passing bigs are always good as history has shown) and punish opponents for being a tall ass sniper from beyond the arc. However his vision and shot creation isn't at the level of Jokic's so he needs better shooters/cutters around him to take advantage of his passing so the team can cash in.

[@odonnellcaleb]

His first year or two in the league I HATED him. (I'm a Bulls fan but I've always watched a bunch of games...even from "bad teams"). I remember watching a game where he got 3 (maybe 2) travels where he just took off without dribbling the ball. It was frustrating as hell. I wrote him off as "just a dunker" the next year I'm watching another Wolves game...and he looks so dramatically improved I literally changed my mind on him THAT DAY. Because that kind of improvement doesn't just happen...You KNEW he was putting in hours and hours of extra work. Then comes the Butler trade...I remember a whole lot of people were pissed off about it but I was telling everyone I could to calm down...Jimmy is better than anything we would get back but Lavine is the real deal. He's got the work ethic to be special. Then when we had to extend him..the media was KILLING us for how much money we were giving him...and again a bunch of Bulls fans were thinking we were overpaying and I said "I think this turns out to be a real bargain..I really do"... Zach Lavine has been the dude who has probably been my best "prediction", time and time again. We all know we have had our hits and misses on who we thought would be really good...but it feels really good to continue to be proven right about Zach. Anyway, what I'm trying to say is if Kira Lewis turns out to be good I'm going to get a little cocky. (But that's looking like a miss so far)

[@mateusbez2669]

It is crazy just how high he goes on those jump shots. Beautiful movement and elevation.

[@WhelmedButReady]

Lemme just say as a diehard Bulls fan, it's great that we're relevant and talented enough to finally get a TB video on one of our guys. It's a new era indeed. Da Bulls are back!😁💪🏾

[@user-gd8xm3eb9t]

Awesome video, coming from a Bulls fan I definitely feel the playmaking aspect, it drives me nuts seeing him miss wide open teammates, seeing how he's improved consistently every year in the league I believe he can improve there.

[@LauraLoo77]

Would love to see an addendum to this showcasing more of his improved defense and playmaking.

[@Kaleidoscope2412]

Could Zach be a throwback to the high volume scoring wing in the mold of Michael Jordan? I certainly think so, the key as outlined so well in this video is to level up as a playmaker while continuing to exert rim pressure with his combination of his incredible first step and the threat of the jumper. We shall be watching your career with great interest Lavine.

[@BSCTrainerRob]

'He's sitting his weight back...his hips are stiff'... not saying this isn't valid, high level analysis but it's wild to me to pick apart a literal super athlete like that. Dude can touch the top of the backboard

[@pranavmanie1479]

I've been saying this since last year: you give LaVine a good team, he's a guaranteed all-NBA guard. This is the year that hypothesis is going to be proven.

[@lilnizal]

Thank you for the content ben

[@Hoops_Fan]

Slash and splash is an excellent way to describe Zach LaVine's game. Its also a nice nickname for him. Insightful video with great production quality as usual.

[@lkjasdf3684]

Saw you made a video on LaVine and had to watch it immediately. It's been so fun to watch him as a bulls fan

[@tyler7649]

Love the video, been a big fan of lavine ever since that first dunk contest and it’s great to see him playing with a better team around him this season

[@hexsplays]

As I predicted, if he gets a consistent long range bombs, he can be an enigma for any defender. If he get his post moves, he can prolong his career without getting his knees worn out.

[@juliansearcie1758]

Lot of ifs.

[@manijones4997]

I love these types of analysis of players who aren’t as main stream.

[@yanuisme]

Future HOF! Really love watching him playing the game. Smart, effective and explosive. Hope he'll win a RING one day!

[@sharifbrown3567]

I'd love to see you do a CORP analysis of a MyPlayer from 2K, just to see the ridiculously high stats such as RTS and Scoring Rate present.

[@karishnasiva]

Would really love to see a Scottie Barnes video, I know it's early. Just love how you break down the games of players, it's so pragmatic and great to watch.

[@last7116]

Lavine getting a video from TB is more than enough to make my day

[@jordanr5832]

You gotta love this guy after watching him take over game after game.

[@jacob6878]

Man, you're the best. I hope you finally gain the recognition you deserve this season! Thanks for all of the great content over the years.

[@GustavoSilva-ny8jc]

Incredible video, it's the first time i'm seeing what a phenomenal athlete he is, is jaw dropping. I'm with admiration and envy at the same time.

[@davechiang4189]

my mans can do everything

[@sarperkizilkaya4531]

DeBallZach is the best trio in nba

[@ClemintineCake]

I'd take KD Harden and a bum from the YMCA

[@boydriceisawesome2520]

That's very disrespectful

[@cycleoflife565]

Supposed comedy from the same school of thought that brought you the horrid Jonathan Kuminga nickname.

[@jingqi9106]

Zach has some weaknesses in his game but his upside is huge. LaVine is an all-star level player that is next level exciting in the air at the hoop and is an excellent shooter. He's still developing as a player so I's expect him to continue to improve in most areas. Chicago is thrilled to have Zach!

[@boricua9071]

He is on his way to being something really special.

[@sirdumhuveniii359]

Brilliant video and breakdown of a polarising player. I’d love to see a video on Domantas Sabonis at some point, really don’t know how he would go as a number 1/2 on a good team

[@Cobusftwmahoniez]

This is by far the best basketball content on youtube

[@braydenwilliams4478]

You are one of my favorite channels on all of KZbin!! Always so glad to see the videos, wish you all the best. Keep doing what you’re doing!!

[@vinnythep00h]

One of my favorite players in the league. Thanks for the video!

[@jonathonlondon183]

simply love watching Lavine play love his skillset

[@Tylerjms7]

If I was in the NBA I’d be watching this guys videos to know what I need to work on. Just good coaching from someone who is a neutral party and really understands basketball

[@bigleechu8832]

Eyy early noti gang i love ur content bro been waiting for more of these, this is my most favorite content from ur channel although everything is good but i like this more:)

[@jeffreyt4345]

A shocker going Lavine for the first profile of the season! Doesn't matter; Ben kills it as usual. Great work.

[@Levoneee]

the shot creating slasher every one wants to be on 2k so inspirational

[@godnotavailable2094]

Always a good day when you post. Best basketball content on the platform by a mile.

[@benjaminbaumgardner7620]

Commenting for the algorithm. Good stuff as always

[@utho8080]

When lavine was on the TWolves and KAT/Wiggins were getting all the shine, I felt Lavine was like TMac on the Raptors. I knew he’d blossom when he got his own team. Hope he starts winning more than TMac did as the franchise player

[@Gaminggod23.]

Even like a harden from years ago

[@tip12331]

These videos are literally a god send. He don’t miss🤦🏾‍♂️

[@pickleoudww7784]

Your voice only can make me like all the vids and your style of montage and illustrations

[@emmandiaz3495]

The best nba basketball youtuber finally uploaded again

[@mustaphalove8934]

Ayyy man! Good to have u back

[@t4d0W]

Agree on those points. LaVine isn't the ideal offense centerpiece but currently he is an ideal PIECE to pair with bona fide offensive engine ala Jokic/Doncic/etc. Which may sound like a slight to Lavine fans but trust me, I feel that unlocks 200% of his strength on offense and hides his shortcomings on defense that way. He can use his jets as an open cutter, rim finisher or buzz all around the half court for catch and shoot opportunities. Also when a play breaks down he is a solid ISO option with his first step and his one way tricks to put up a shot. Also defensively he is ideal just hounding smaller players at the perimeter and being a ball hawk. So he is also best paired with an already existing defensive anchor piece who can play all the important spots at half court. Overall he is def worth that low end All-Star money and I do hope the Bulls keep him while cycling through their assets to get the ideal offensive engine with him.

[@matthewl8647]

NEW TB VID LETS GO

[@rionshikder813]

Really want a Thinking Basketball piece on Alex Caruso, as he seemingly has superstar level impact numbers, and it would be amazing to have Ben break those down

[@sneakers_guy5488]

Agreed

[@aleksanderbandreassen4915]

So happy to have you back! Love your videos!

[@ayejdoe2167]

I love how you tell the pros and cons of everything. 💯👍🏾

[@20marvelman]

My favorite KZbin doing a video on my favorite player, nice day

[@Blake-wz6dk]

Love your videos so much homie. keep doing player breakdowns, maybe you could start an annual series breaking down top rookies throughout the year

[@WHITEPERSUAS1ON]

The Ball Zach duo go crazy!!!

[@houssamk777]

Thank you for shining the light on zach, great video.

[@almogavraham9314]

Great video as always! Can't wait to see a video about Mitchell

[@michaelbarnes2617]

I WAS WAITING FOR ANOTHER PLAYER BREAKDOWN FROM THIS MAN THINKING BASKETBALL Also I’m waiting for Zach to get some real noticeable bulk and muscle. After that he’s the best SG in the league hands down he’s got every other tool to claim the #1 spot

[@57wookie]

The crazy thing about the harden shot profile thing is that lavine makes just over one long 2 per game at 45% and that's been a bit of a growth area as a counter.

[@joshuareynolds9527]

Fantastic analysis, great editing on video. Subscribed!

[@CJenkins_Wx]

HE'S BACK

[@jimmyjoejerkic]

My favourite basketball channel on KZbin!

[@yll9704]

I just love how he brings steph into a zach's video.

[@dddiop]

Good to see the classics back again!

[@hermjustino9796]

Great video! I’d love to see one Fred Vanvleet and how he craft, skill, footwork to overcome his physical shortcomings. Keep up the great work

[@FalseNi9e]

Awesome video! My favorite player!

[@spoonfixer3387]

Zach's jumper is so smooth.

[@richardanthony7855]

okay ben, this is really bothering me, at 3:02 that is a PUSH CROSSOVER. we teach that to 10 year olds. please dont have people thinking thats a carry/palming violation. Great breakdown, hope to see more on guys who arent top 10 players.

[@TheIcemanthomas]

That definitely can be a carry but u can get away a with it. In any other era prior to the last 25 years, that’s would be called.

[@ryandick9649]

I agree that the push cross is still technically a carry, but officials seem to be in yet another movement to permit more pronation on the dribble, particularly if the player does it quickly enough. Since it is the complementary move to El Latigo, and most officials will allow the Latigo (aka the Shammgod), I think we will see more, rather than less, of this.

[@christiansandoval5045]

All valid points that can't be argued I do want to say Zach is 26 so he's getting close to his prime if he isn't already there but I believe he still has some untapped potential now it's up to him if he unlocks it but he can definitely still become a better defender as well as a better playmaker which he has shown flashes this year with more weapons around him taken some pressure off him on the offensive side and giving him better scorers will lead to him being more attentive hopefully to those kick outs on the wing and corner but I think since he kind of left this up in the air that no he's not a bottom all star and there are few players like him besides mentioning he's a 50 40 90 player yes he never officially made it shooting 86 from the ft percentage but he's an efficient scorer of the highest degree that club is rare for a reason now do I think he can be ur primary playmaker like luka or CP3 no but that's why ur supposed to surround him with those kinds of players cause that would take his scoring to a new level as well as give him more opportunities to focus on the defensive side Zach isnt a bottom all star he's a all nba caliber player and he's a player who hasn't played with a top 15 player unlike most of the best players in the world Demar isn't a top 15 and neither is Vuc unlike his rival Guards such as Devin Booker and Donovan Mitchell who have CP3 and Rudy this has more to do with the pieces than the player and once fully healthy I believe this new ramped bulls will show the world that they and Zach are here and aren't going anywhere

[@jarrayyy5400]

LFGGGGG! FINALLY A VID ON ZACH LAGOAT I LOVE U BEN

[@drehitemup9904]

Zach lavine is one of the best volume scorers in the league

[@immafatazn]

he was scoring 27 on nearly 50-40-90 last season

[@juliansearcie1758]

He shot 47.9fg 38.73pt and 85:pct from the line .where did you get 50/40 90 from other than your arse

[@jtwilliams8895]

Excellent analysis. Can’t disagree with anything, except labeling Zach a “low level or borderline All Star player.” That’s what he has been the last couple seasons, but I think he’s about to kick it up a notch. That is, assuming that his hand/thumb injury doesn’t hurt his efficiency very much. On a team that is top five in the power rankings, he’s an automatic All Star who could be voted to start by the fans.

[@andybrummel5555]

This is an honest and fair review! I would love to see how he plays with Steph XD

[@Loothansa]

High flying guard with an explosive first step on the Bulls, I've seen this one or two times before.

[@stumbling]

Feel like I'm watching a leak from Bulls coaching staff. Great in-depth work

[@lazyliquid]

Great content. Seriously. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@romanleo2281]

Amazing as always

[@JonnyLin7]

Such great analysis. I'd love for you to do a video on some of the rookies, namely Barnes and Mobley.

[@sportzdoode1997]

Can we get some Miami content this year?! Jimmy for MVP is real and you'd help push the agenda so well

[@Airricc_]

Barnes coast to coast highlight in the outro 🔥

[@chrissullivan6572]

I could watch you and J. Kyle Mann break down players all day.

[@2rs205]

Les go new uploadddd

[@cordelier]

Great vid, love the anime eyes in the thumbnail

[@rockbert6482]

the GOAT has uploaded again

[@understandunderstand1271]

He will be mvp one day soon if his team wins. It might hurt his stats a little playing with detozan and lonzo but Lavine can do it all you could see it right from the start he is a pure shooter excellent finisher and ball handler

[@Irfanhill]

Thanks for this great analysis! I didn't watch a lot of (losing) Bulls the last few years and didn't realize Zach had become so efficient and beautiful to watch. I kind of pictured him as an "empty calory" scorer, "good scorer on a bad team", the same way I did with Booker on the Suns 3 years ago. Both proved me clearly wrong. Your explanation shows why. It's just too bad he isn't a better defender with that quickness & explosivity of his! He could be an all-NBA player now, he's got everything (but the passing vision). Not specific to Zach: it's a bit crazy how far the boundaries of a legal dribble have been pushed in the NBA. Many players now, like him and small & quick point guards, literally CARRY the ball, putting their hand under it and stopping it for microseconds. It's not hesitation dribble anymore, it's very quick stop & go, which gives them a huge advantage with their extraordinary athletic abilities.

[@loicthiant7448]

On the Dribble stuff it's a sign of time Iverson invented that shit . Most of the time let's say 95% Iverson didn't carry the ball but he was so low and so FUCKING quick that the league had to adjust because he was just Box office primetime TV . And the NBA is a spectacle so they had to adjust with all the players that came with the same type of handle like Marbury steve Francis and Garnett .

[@AFilesTV]

This was great! Thanks!

[@SethKasso]

The king has returned!

[@hughgape4354]

Goat vid from the goat video creator

[@nolop366]

Amazing content bro, appreciate it!

[@svgftw351]

really hoping for a profile on evan mobley he's been great to watch but it would be great to see a detailed breakdown of his defensive and offensive impact

[@jioreyes5838]

keep them coming 🐐

[@camctrail]

Perhaps a future video on rookies? There are several standouts, but if you were to focus on one thing, I'd choose Evan Mobley's defense or Scottie Barnes' midrange

[@reidb6327]

Zach Lavine is so good

[@narfazlee5162]

Great video, would love to see a breakdown of the Raptors defense this season

[@hypenba4374]

He's Back Once AGAIN

[@ny2k204]

Beautiful vid

[@jameshoops10]

should do a slash & splash vid of lavine and derozan