The speculation that Zach Lavigne was pulled from Bulls training camp in Week 1 is true.
Some teammates spoke publicly, and audiences spoke privately, about LaVine's explosive care as he underwent arthritis surgery on his left knee and signed a five-year, $215 million contract.
It is not yet clear what this means for the bulls in the stable. But still, few in the NBA think they have the devastating one-two of LaVine and DeMar DeRozan that can be matched.
"It could be exciting for us and scary for somebody else," DeRozan said when asked about the second season he and LaVine will play together. "I can't tell you how many times I talked to him this summer, watching him, putting his legs together. I want Zach to be healthy. That's something I dream about every night all year."
In DeRozan's estimation, a healthy LaVine would make life easier — not just for him, but for the entire Bulls offense.
Last season, as DeRozan entered his 14th season, there were plenty of games that night -- especially when LaVine was dealing with knee problems and couldn't produce on both ends of the court. But she was tired and DeRozan was tired late in the season and in the playoffs against the Bucks.
Now 33 years old, DeRozan would have liked LaVine to take over this season.
"A lot of the burden was on Zach last year," DeRozan said. "We always talk about keeping things simple. Being up and down and not being around has been difficult for both of us. Zach and I being healthy makes our jobs and other jobs around us - so much easier."
It starts with scoring. DeRozan averaged 27.9 points this season, finishing seventh in the league. LaVine finished 17th with 24.4 points, down 4 points from last season's 27 points.
If both play up to their potential, the only two Nets who can match them in scoring are Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. It's a good company.
The concern is whether the team found a plan to slow him down in the second half of last season, as DeRozan and LaVine explained. Lavin's health can make all double teams and screen blitzes more difficult.
Next is the role of coach Billy Donovan and his team. They must ensure that arrangements are made to prevent so-called plans.
While the Bulls aren't expected to show much in the preseason, the regular-season opener will be one of the first tests of a defensive-minded Heat — and one LaVine is looking forward to.
"We've seen teams defend us and adjust all season with different double teams — my pick and roll, [DeRozan's] serve — so try to use that to our advantage and help each other out. It's going to be better," Lavigne said. . "Better shots, easier execution and helping this team win. That's all. But with another year behind us, I think it's going to be even better, especially if we stay healthy."