Why Zach LaVine is a good option if Nets can’t land Bradley Beal

Zach LaVine and Bradley Beal would both be good fits on the Brooklyn Nets.

The Brooklyn Nets seem to have a specific kind of player in mind to eventually unite with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.

The preferred archetype appears to be a player who can create his own shot, but also doesn’t need the ball in his hands every single possession. The rumors of the Nets angling to trade for Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal make sense. Beal is one of the best scorers in the league, but at the same time, he’s shown he can score in a multitude of ways in playing alongside John Wall his entire NBA career.

Beal has been vocal about his desire to stay in Washington, though. He has a player option for the 2022-23 season, so he could be a free agent in 2022. But if Beal doesn’t end up in Brooklyn, the Nets have a good backup plan.

The Nets have reportedly “done background work” on Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine in case the Bulls end up considering trade offers before his 2022 free agency.

LaVine is a growing star, and while he’s more athletic than Beal, the two players are similar in their approach to the game.

LaVine is going to attack the basket in any way possible, with that part of his game being reminiscent of Vince Carter in his prime.

Since Durant and Irving are better scorers off the dribble, they’ll need someone to attack lanes and create space. LaVine would be a good player for Brooklyn in that aspect.

Beal is just as good as LaVine in attacking the rim, but his hallmark is craftiness — the Wizards guard will slither and weave his way to the hoop. LaVine is going to try and dunk on someone more times than not when he gets to the rack.

Beal is a better mid-range shooter than LaVine. That makes him more similar to Durant and Irving, two of the best mid-range scorers in the league. Having a third player who can take defenders off the dribble would produce a three-pronged attack.

It’s already hard enough having to defend Durant, one of the best scorers ever. But trying to contain Beal and Irving as well would be tough for defenses.

Beal and LaVine’s ability to score off the ball is about even. Just like Beal has had to share the floor with Wall, LaVine used to share touches with Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins on the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Nearly half (45.5%) of LaVine’s field goals in 2019-20 came off of assists; for Beal, that number is 45%. Beal is ranked second in the NBA in scoring, and LaVine is ranked 12th. This season was the best of LaVine’s career so far. He averaged career-bests in points per game (25.5) and rebounds per game (4.8).

But in looking at their overall league standing, Beal is more likely to be a No. 2 option on a title contender. Part of that is because he’s been in the league longer — he’s proven his worth again and again.

LaVine is the top option on the Bulls, but it’s looking like being a No. 2 or No. 3 option would be ideal for him in the future. His lack of playoff experience has kept him from showing what he can do on the big stage, though.

Beal has four playoff appearances. He has averaged 22.7 points a game on 44% shooting the postseason, while also dishing out 3.7 assists per game.

LaVine is steadily rising toward being an All-Star, whereas Beal is coming off the best season of his career. Beal is the better overall player, but he might not be available when Brooklyn is ready to make a move.

Considering the Nets have their eyes on LaVine though, it’s clear their Plan B would be just as effective as Plan A.

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