Projecting the 20 most promising young duos in the NBA
By Amaar Burton
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.