Projecting the 20 most promising young duos in the NBA

(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Chicago Bulls
(Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /

8. Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen (Chicago Bulls)

Optimistic fans of the Chicago Bulls are hoping Team Kobe (No. 8 and No. 24) will lead the Bulls to the kind of success that Kobe’s idol (Michael Jordan) brought to the Windy City.

Zach LaVine’s sheer athleticism and high-flying artistry are reminiscent of Jordan and Kobe, but the 24-year-old is still working on the all-around game to put him among the league’s elite shooting guards.

After signing a four-year, $78.0 million contract last year that put pressure on him to be “The Man” for the Bulls, LaVine delivered 23.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game — all career-high numbers.

Markkanen improved on an impressive rookie year by averaging 18.7 points and 9.0 rebounds per game last season. The 22-year-old power forward is often compared to Dirk Nowitzki, which is, of course, ambitious, but his versatile offensive skill set justifies it.

The Bulls went 22-60 last season, the franchise’s worst record since 2003-04, but things are actually looking up.

On paper, this team has quality young talent. LaVine and Markkanen headline a group that includes this year’s No. 7 draft pick Coby White, last year’s No. 7 pick Wendell Carter Jr., Otto Porter Jr., Tomas Satoransky, Kris Dunn and Denzel Valentine.