Zach LaVine Says Bulls Could Be 'Something Very Special'

The Chicago Bulls are just 27-54, but guard Zach LaVine believes there is a bright future ahead in the Windy City.

"We're going to be good," LaVine said, per Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times. "We are. Not just saying that, either. You can't let opportunity knock on the door and not open the door—that's a quote from my dad by the way—but that's the way I look at it. We could be something very special."

His optimism is not misplaced considering Chicago possesses three potential building blocks with Kris Dunn and LaVine in the backcourt and Lauri Markkanen anchoring the frontcourt. Dunn is 24 years old and LaVine is 23, while Markkanen is 20 years old and became the fastest player in NBA history to drill 100 three-pointers in a testament to his versatility.

Cowley noted the Bulls went 14-8 with wins over the Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics, Utah Jazz, Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat from Dec. 8 through Jan. 17 before Dunn suffered a concussion that kept him out nearly five weeks.

That stretch of play with the young building blocks all playing together is something the Bulls can point to this offseason as they prepare for the 2018-19 campaign.

What's more, they are in favorable position to add another impact player or two come draft time given their record and the fact they also own the rights to the New Orleans Pelicans' first-round pick as part of the package they received in the Nikola Mirotic trade.

Between Dunn, LaVine, Markkanen and two first-round picks—one of which will be a lottery selection—Chicago appears to be positioning itself to challenge for the postseason for years to come.