NBA: 10 under the radar players to look out for in 2015-16
By Tom West
Zach LaVine
There’s only one thing most people think of when it comes to Zach LaVine: dunks. Because of that, you’re probably thinking he isn’t remotely under the radar. Which is correct in terms of his fame, but not necessarily accurate in terms of his ability.
He soars through the air with such effortlessness it can make any amateur give up their dream of trying to dunk. It’s just disheartening to see LaVine throw down such creative, difficult dunks with zero effort. That’s what he does best, though, so we might as well just leave him to it.
If we put LaVine’s dunk prowess aside for a second, though, it’s clear that there’s far more to his game than throw-downs alone.
It took quite a few months for LaVine to explode offensively, yet it finally happened near the end of the season. And to make it even better, it was a 37 point explosion against the Warriors and their league best defense (sorry the video thumbnail makes him look high. He was far from a joke in that game).
Alongside Andrew Wiggins, LaVine is still the lesser of two explosive wing players. Although, after racking up 24.7 minutes per game in his rookie season, making 34.1 percent of his threes, a highly accurate 84.1 percent of his free throws, and averaging a respectable 5.1 assists per 36 minutes, LaVine has shown signs that he can ignite the Timberwolves’ offense from time to time off the bench.
He won’t be used for much more than 25 minutes a night, but for a team consisting of himself, Wiggins and first overall pick Karl-Anthony Towns, LaVine can be a valuable piece as this young core tries to make the Timberwolves look respectable.
LaVine’s assist percentage of 24 shouldn’t be overlooked either, as it shows he can do more than dunk. Even if that’s what we’d all rather see instead.
Next: Rudy Gay