Predicting Bulls Starting 5 if They Were Somehow Able to Land Anthony Davis From Lakers

This summer, Anthony Davis can decline his player option with the Lakers and become an unrestricted free agent. Every team will be vying for his services, but consider this: What if AD comes home to play with the Bulls? If you take a look at their potential starting 5, this team could do some damage. Here’s who Jim Boylen (or whoever is coaching in Chicago) should start for the 20-21 campaign, should they add Davis.

5. Wendell Carter Jr.

Wendell Carter has been a productive big man for Chicago since he entered the league at the start of the 18-19 season. Lauri Markkanen could have filled this role, but he is more of a stretch four in this modern NBA and will be a perfect sixth man. In 19-20, Carter averaged 11 points and nine rebounds per game and would be the perfect complimentary inside force to Davis’ perimeter-oriented style of play.

4. Anthony Davis

You would be hard-pressed to find someone that thinks one of the 10 best players in the world would be coming off the bench (sorry, Lauri). Although he is used to playing either big man position, Davis thrives when playing the four which allows him to have more space to operate. With Carter in the middle, AD will have the freedom to put up MVP-like numbers both offensively and defensively in his hometown.

3. Otto Porter Jr.

Otto Porter is the wild card here. Similar to AD, Porter has a player option for next season. If Porter knows what is good for his wallet, he will not be turning down $28 million and testing the free agent market. Expect Porter to be the 3-and-D wing of this starting lineup who can spot up in the corner and also guard the opposing team’s best perimeter player.

2. Zach LaVine

Since arriving in Chicago in the Jimmy Butler trade in 2017-18, LaVine’s scoring intake has increased from 16.7 to 23.7 to now 25.5 points per game. A bonafide scorer in the NBA, LaVine and Davis can combine to make a dominant 1-2 punch that defenses would fear. The pick-and-roll potential for this duo can put them up there as one of the best duos in the Eastern Conference as well as the entire Association.

1. Coby White

Coby White would be the youngest starter for the 20-21 Bulls. Although he only started one game this past season as a rookie, Kris Dunn’s contract is expiring. White should be able to step into the starting point guard role and split on-ball duties with LaVine. White will look to improve on his 13.2 points and 2.7 assists in his rookie campaign, but having Davis and Carter in the paint should help.