Would Zion Williamson help create the next Chicago Bulls dynasty?
Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen’s Chicago Bulls captured a whopping six NBA titles during the ‘90s. And by drafting Zion Williamson this June, the team could be in store for another dynasty.
The Bulls are currently 21-56, the league’s fourth-worst record behind the New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns and Cleveland Cavaliers. That means they have a decent shot at landing the No. 1 pick and selecting the high-flying Williamson.
“Mt. Zion” is enjoying an amazing freshman season at Duke. The 6-foot-7 forward took home ACC Player of the Year honors and has led the Blue Devils to the NCAA Elite Eight. Williamson is simply dominating college basketball, dunking all over opponents every game and looking like a man amongst boys.
He is averaging 22.6 points and 8.7 rebounds per contest while shooting 68 percent from the field. That’s not too shabby for a freshman, playing for one of the top programs in all of college basketball.
Let’s face it, Zion in Chicago just makes sense. Over the past 20 years, the Bulls and Duke have went together like peanut butter and jelly.
The team has employed several former Blue Devil standouts such as Elton Brand, Luol Deng, Carlos Boozer and current Bulls rookie Wendell Carter, Jr. And don’t forget about Jay Williams, Chris Duhon, Mike Dunleavy and Jabari Parker, who played 39 games for the Bulls this season.
Windy City Trio
If the Bulls do end up with Williamson, he won’t be the only star on the roster. He’ll share the spotlight with fellow highlight-maker Zach Lavine as well as shooting sensation Lauri Markkanen.
The 18-year-old Williamson would team with Lavine (24) and Markkanen (21) to instantly form a dangerous, young trio that could develop together and possibly power the Bulls to a few championships down the road. All three are gifted scorers.
Despite weighing 285 lbs, Williamson can get to the basket at will due to his incredible speed and mind-blowing athleticism. He isn’t a Steph Curry-type shooter right now, but his jumper should improve dramatically as a result of his work ethic.
Meanwhile, Lavine has blossomed into one of the game’s top scorers, averaging a career-high 23.7 points this season. And Markkanen has put up nearly 19 points a night this year.
Williamson, Lavine and Markkanen mixed with the likes of Otto Porter Jr., Carter and Kris Dunn would give Chicago quite a core to build around.
The injury bug, however, is perhaps the only thing that could prevent this group from competing for titles. Williamson missed almost six full games following a bizarre shoe blowout against rival North Carolina. Plus, Lavine, Markkanen, Carter and Dunn have missed a combined 103 games this season.
It remains to be seen whether the Bulls win the lottery and draft Williamson. But whatever prospect falls into the team’s lap, the future is bright in Chitown.