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Chicago Bulls: Ranking the NBA’s top 10 young cores

By Aaron Peterson

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 27: Zach LaVine #8 of the Chicago Bulls shoots over teammate Lauri Markkanen #24 against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the United Center on January 27, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. The Cavaliers defeated the Bulls 104-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 27: Zach LaVine #8 of the Chicago Bulls shoots over teammate Lauri Markkanen #24 against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the United Center on January 27, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. The Cavaliers defeated the Bulls 104-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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Chicago Bulls, Lauri Markkanen
Chicago Bulls (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Despite some major rebuilding moves by other NBA teams, the Chicago Bulls remain a top young unit in the NBA.

The Bulls are a very tough team to judge, as many have varying opinions with regard to their current state. Some analysts have the Bulls as high as a 6th seed in the Eastern Conference, while others argue that they are a bottom-five team in the NBA.

Zach LaVine will more than likely be an NBA All-Star next season, and very arguably should have been this season. He has proved to the world that he is much more than an above the rim player, but also a top scorer in the NBA.

Even more crucial to the direction of this squad in 2019-2020 is Lauri Markkanen, who may need to be an All-Star-caliber player next year in order to slide into a playoff spot. This is not unreasonable for the Finnish big, who averaged close to 19 points per game along with 9 rebounds in just 52 games. A full, healthy season could be massive for him and the franchise.

Although probably not superstar talents like LaVine and Markkanen, Wendell Carter Jr. and Coby White have the potential to be great professional starters. White may not have a massive impact as a rookie but will be expected to play at a relatively high-level next season.

Obviously, with White being a rookie, Bulls fans really don’t know what to expect in 2019-2020 with regards to their point guard. However, the expectations for Carter will be for him to contribute at both ends of the floor on a nightly basis. If he is able to do so and live up to his Al Horford comparisons, Chicago could be in for a treat for a very long time.

Not to mention, the Bulls have some nice young depth that includes Kris Dunn, Chandler Hutchison, Ryan Arcidiacono, Daniel Gafford, and Denzel Valentine. This group could turn into a very nice support group for the starters before mentioned. Chicago also considers Otto Porter Jr. to be a part of this core, but at 26 years of age, he just misses our cutoff. Nonetheless, he is a nice piece.

2019-2020 is a massive year for Chicago, which could either propel them to a top-three young core or move them down this list.

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