NBA Draft 2019: Top preferred teams to get No. 1 pick for Zion Williamson

NBA Draft 2019: Top 3 preferred teams to get No. 1 pick for Zion Williamson

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Zion Williamson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils looks on against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the first half in the East Regional game of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

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DETROIT, MICHIGAN – MARCH 10: Head coach Jim Boylen of the Chicago Bulls talks to his team during a timeout while playing the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on March 10, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

3. Chicago Bulls (12.5% chance at No. 1 pick)

Even though the Bulls have the 4th-worst record, there were signs of promise that they can turn around their future sooner rather than later. The midseason trade of forward Otto Porter from Washington added much-needed offense and helped the injury-plagued team get some sort of stability.

But neither Porter or any other Bull projected to be on the roster has a big name to entice fans to want to come to the games. That would change with Williamson coming in, bringing the excitement level up there to the Derrick Rose days. He, Porter, and leading scorer Zach LaVine would form a great scoring trio in the East, with rising point guard Kris Dunn handling the offense.

Chicago will also have some available cap room after the 2019-20 season, so if Williamson is as good as advertised, the franchise could become nationally relevant in a Big East that is surely winnable.

The concern about Williamson’s arrival would be how the development of the other frontcourt players on the roster is affected. Markkanen, Wendell Carter Jr. and Chandler Hutchison are all recent first-round picks and has some promise. But their minutes will all go down with Williamson coming aboard. He’ll fit in offensively with Markkanen at the center position, while Carter is better for defensive purposes.

Then there’s Porter himself, who fits best at the four-spot as well. It’ll be a crowded position that head coach Jim Boylen will have to deal with. Maybe the Bulls will have to make a trade or two to remove some of the clutter.

Either way, Williamson would be a great addition for a very young team looking for an identity. Could they get another No. 1 pick to turn their franchise around?

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