On the one hand, I can’t believe we’re still two months away from the start of the NBA season. August is moving slower than Nikola Vucevic in transition.
On the other hand, training camp will be starting before we know it, and it will be followed by some of the most intriguing preseason games we’ve had in years. Whether it’s the reacclimation of Zach LaVineJosh Giddey’s form, Matas Buzelis’ early career, or the duel for rotation minutes between players like Dalen Terry and Julian Phillips, the preseason looks set to matter this year.
I’m ready for October.
NBA 2K25 ratings continue to roll in. The popular video game franchise has started releasing ratings for the top 100 players, and Three Chicago Bulls have landed Top 50-100. Nikola is the first name to appear, with an overall rating of 81 and a 94th spot on the list. Some of the big names ahead of him are Isaiah Hartenstein and Naz Reid. Coby White is the next name to appear, starting the year as the 74th best player with an identical overall rating of 81. Considering he started 2K24 with an overall rating of 76, I think we can all agree that this is a well-deserved bump. However, it is actually slightly lower than the rating he earned in 2K24 (82).
Zach LaVine, unsurprisingly, is the Chicago Bulls’ most important player. next representative in the Top 100. He comes in at No. 63 with an 83 rating. The two-time All-Star is sandwiched between Tyler Herro (No. 64) and Myles Turner (No. 62). Looking at the names that make up the 60, LaVine feels like he’s in the right spot, especially after playing just 25 games in the 2023-24 campaign. But that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be a talking point for the 29-year-old! LaVine’s salary suggests he should be at least in the Top 50. As good as Josh Hart (70), Kyle Kuzma (66) and Aaron Gordon (61) are, LaVine is not supposed to be in the same conversation as those glorified role players. Now, should he be in the same conversation as the league’s true No. 1 talents? No. But the right grade should be somewhere in between for him.
With a number of new contracts signed this summer, I wanted to revisit where Zach LaVine’s average annual value (AAV) now stands. Once among the league’s highest-paid players, LaVine makes $43.0 million per year. fell in the rankingsHe’s now tied with Luka Doncic and Trae Young for 30th in the NBA’s AAV. Names who technically earn more than him going forward include Scottie Barnes, Franz Wagner, Cade Cunningham, Domantas Sabonis and Pascal Siakam.
Look, all of these guys are good players. The salary cap is also increasing exponentially, so it makes sense that the dollar would increase. At the same time, would anyone necessarily be surprised if LaVine returned to his All-Star form? And, if so, wouldn’t his current contract seem pretty appropriate given the other contracts currently in play? All I’m saying is that LaVine’s contract is only going to get more palatable as the years go by, which is why I still believe we’re destined for a trade. Someone is going to take the bull by the horns.
Dalen Terry wins the Social Media Workout Award this offseason.
Fresh off his own camp over the weekend, Dalen Terry is back in the gym (we know you love those videos 😉)
We can’t say much about DT’s work ethic and time spent in the gym this offseason.
Chet Holmgren on Josh Giddey: “I was really hurt when I found out Giddey was no longer a part of our team. We’re all great with him. He’s our dog. He still is. He’s going to do great things in Chicago.” — Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) August 19, 2024
Giddey is the kind of player I’m sure other players enjoy sharing the court with. The 21-year-old has even said himself that he lives to make the game easier for those around him. He was pushed out of that role in Oklahoma City, but he’ll be handed the keys to the car when the season starts in Chicago. I think that’s why I’m cautiously optimistic about a bounce-back campaign. While the team may not be very good, they should have a harder time finding an identity this season.
No rookie will ever be cooler than rookie Michael Jordan. Sorry, Matas!
