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Zach LaVine has separated himself as one of the more outspoken and outgoing individuals on the Minnesota Timberwolves. This is an opinion; there is, obviously, no way to quantify how outspoken or outgoing one person is compared to another.
When he was drafted, Kevin Love, Alexey Shved and Luc Mbah a Moute hadn't been traded and the roster was vastly different than what it is today. LaVine was the newest, latest addition to the Timberwolves and athleticism plus the ability to jump out the gym make him an enticing product - one fans could become marginally excited about. His reputation slowly continued growing after a few impressive dunks during Las Vegas Summer League.
In August, LaVine sat next to Thaddeus Young, Andrew Wiggins and Anthony Bennett at the State Fair, where a population of the media and fans observed the Wolves latests acquisitions for the first time. Obviously, prior to being selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers, a certain amount of hype already surrounded Wiggins and that's who most of those at the fair were there to see. Despite this, the Timberwolves have touted LaVine around Minnesota for notably more public appearances than they have Wiggins.
It appears the Public Relations department is- whether it be by design or on accident -deflecting the proverbial spotlight away from Wiggins and instead onto LaVine. This is an entirely speculative opinion. The Wolves have really made an effort to promote LaVine this summer and the rejuvenated fanbase seem to have taken a liking to him.
One the other side, there are some who are beyond being infatuated by dunks and leaping ability therefore aren't as enamored at the prospect of what LaVine may potentially become. Knowledgeable NBA followers adept at applying advanced analytics and/or reviewing enough film to formulate critiques without being influenced by national or local media understand LaVine is one of the most inexperienced basketball players in the league today.
The Wolves aren't shining constant attention on Wiggins and, instead, seem to be downplaying likelihood a prospect with outstanding intangibles becomes an impactful NBA player. Moreover, the spotlight is being shined on a different, separate prospect. Such attention and subsequent pressure (hype) has been placed on LaVine when nobody really knows what position he'll play during the regular season.
Meanwhile, it won't be long until Wiggins cracks the starting lineup.
It would be wise for Flip Saunders and his assistants to define Zach LaVine as a basketball player.
Metal Monday