“I am very happy to be here again”

Zach LaVine brought a clean slate to the Chicago Bulls’ Media Day on Monday.

The two-time All-Star, easily the biggest elephant in the room, wasted no time in addressing the drama that surrounded him and the organization. In fact, LaVine addressed many questions with a long and heartfelt opening statement before even answering them from reporters. He expressed his joy at being back in a Bulls jersey and emphasized that trade rumors are a thing of the past.

While LaVine has long been known for his professionalism, his words undoubtedly came as a surprise after another gossip-filled offseason. To help you understand how content LaVine seemed with his current situation, I’ve transcribed most of his opening statement below.

“Of course I’m very happy to be here again. I’m really happy to be back in training camp. It’s been a long summer. Completely healthy. I’m excited to get back here and compete,” LaVine said.

“I had to learn a lot. I’ve seen a lot of film and I’m looking forward to playing offensively and defensively, whatever role they put me in, I’m looking forward to it. When you go through a long off-season like I did, you learn a lot about yourself and the company you keep…

I think that with everything I’ve learned, there are times when you need to say something and times when you don’t… Whenever there’s something that needs to be said, it comes from Zach LaVine or my representation. There were many thoughts, rumors and opinions about me and the organization. So just know that whenever it has to come from me or them, you know it will come from them. I think Rich [Paul] I talked once, and this is the first time I’m talking to you. Everything else can be treated with caution with false narratives, whatever they may be.

I think the best way to deal with a lot of these things in the future is to be in a great situation and have a big head space. At the moment I am completely healthy, which is not something I take for granted. Anything negative that tries to pin me and the organization down – rumors, drama, whatever – I leave that in the past. I’m really focused on this camp right now, developing this team, learning and just having a good time.

I think this is something that isn’t talked about enough. If you have good energy, just give in to it. I don’t want to keep talking about the past or anything because there are a lot of things I can’t talk about. I had a conversation when I first committed to the Bulls and signed my contract here with Michael and Jerry, AK, the front office, with the commitment that they gave me, the respect that they gave me, the I will continue to show them respect. I respect not only my style of play, but also my professionalism. That won’t waver. That’s what I stand for.”

A happy and healthy Zach LaVine

Zach LaVine’s opening thoughts are as mature as it gets. Whether it’s the constant trade rumors or the apparent rebuild, the 29-year-old has almost every reason in the world to be frustrated with the Bulls’ front office. He could have come in and put legitimate pressure on the franchise to scour the trade market for the right fit. He didn’t.

If anything, LaVine did the exact opposite. Not only did he seem genuinely happy with the way things were, but he also shared a desire to play the role needed to move the franchise in the right direction. Now, is it possible that frustration will grow in the coming months, especially as losses are likely to pile up and trade rumors are resurfacing? Secure. But LaVine seems like someone who is willing to take a beating.

“Any time I have the opportunity to put on a Chicago Bulls jersey, I’m proud of it. That’s what I’ve done since I started trading here eight years ago… This is a business and you have to understand what comes with it. When you reach a certain status like I did, you have to understand that,” LaVine said Monday.

Of course, I don’t think this changes LaVine’s fate. The Bulls will likely continue to make offers for the max player, and I expect they will choose the right player. But I think this approach from LaVine is the healthy one. Whether here or in Chicago, embracing your assigned role and being a strong teammate will only lead to good results.