Chicago Bulls: LaVine, Dunn and Markkanen meet with the media (Video)

Watch the Chicago Bulls’ new players Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn and Lauri Markkanen meet with the media.

The rebuild is officially here. The Chicago Bulls traded Jimmy Butler to the Minnesota Timberwolves on draft night, and the return — Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn and Lauri Markkanen — will now headline their upcoming rebuild.

The Bulls did not get proper value in the trade, but this rebuild has been long overdue. It was time for the move to be made and the trio of players acquired undoubtedly have a ton of upside going forward.

The Bulls held a press conference to introduce their new players on Tuesday and there was a lot of interesting talk.

First, let’s hear from head coach Fred Hoiberg.

A lot of interesting stuff from Hoiberg there. Him talking about Markkanen being able to play both post positions stands out. If Markkanen can actually play the five, he has a chance to be an extremely valuable offensive weapon. I am skeptical, but it is great to hear Hoiberg keeping an open mind. His comments about Dunn and LaVine only increase my belief that the Bulls are going to look to push the ball up the floor quickly going forward.

Markkanen then talked about his ability to defend the five position. I really think this will be key for his ability to make an impact in the NBA. Stretch fours are common now, but a stretch five who can compete on both ends can be deadly.

Dunn was realistic about his poor rookie season with Minnesota, but he seems to have a great attitude. If he puts in the work, Dunn still has a chance to be a big-time NBA talent on both sides of the court. Plus, he fits extremely well in Hoiberg’s system.

Hoiberg with some high praise for LaVine’s work ethic and offensive upside:

LaVine has a chance to become the face of the Bulls’ franchise and he seems excited about the idea of playing with Markkanen:

John Paxson talks a bit about the poor reception of the trade and the rebuild going forward:

Each of these players has a lot of upside going forward. The Chicago Bulls have been repeatedly scrutinized over the past few days, and some of it is warranted. However, this thing has a chance of working out.

LaVine is coming off of a knee injury, but his ability to play above the rim and shoot from the outside is legit. Dunn struggled last season but there is a ton of like about his overall game as well. If he can even become an average shooter, Dunn is going to be an exciting player in Chicago. Markkanen may not rebound and protect the rim like a true seven-footer, but he is undoubtedly a big man who can shoot. There will be a place for him in this game.

Next: Why Kris Dunn could break out with the Bulls

It is time to sit back and embrace the rebuild. The Chicago Bulls are unlikely to be competitive any time soon, but this is a process that was much-needed. Believe it or not, the Chicago Bulls are closer to a championship now, than they were prior to this trade. Being stuck in mediocrity is the worst place to be in the NBA.