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NBA Draft 2018: 5 best fits for Deandre Ayton

By Rucker Haringey

BOISE, ID - MARCH 15: Deandre Ayton #13 of the Arizona Wildcats handles the ball against the Buffalo Bulls during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Taco Bell Arena on March 15, 2018 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
BOISE, ID - MARCH 15: Deandre Ayton #13 of the Arizona Wildcats handles the ball against the Buffalo Bulls during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Taco Bell Arena on March 15, 2018 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, CANADA – OCTOBER 19: Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls handles the ball during the game against the Toronto Raptors on October 19, 2017 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA – OCTOBER 19: Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls handles the ball during the game against the Toronto Raptors on October 19, 2017 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. Chicago Bulls

Lauri Markkanen is the only member of the Bulls’ roster that the team should really be committed to moving forward. There are rumblings that management views Zach LaVine as another foundational piece, but that’s a discussion for another day.

Ayton’s fit in the frontcourt with Markkanen would be nearly perfect. It would take time to develop the two into a quality defensive unit, but that’s not a hopeless endeavor. Markkanen moves his feet better than most people believe, and Ayton’s side should allow him to become an adequate defender in time.

On the offensive end of the floor is where this idea really gets exciting. Markkanen makes his money as a three-point shooter. Playing him at the four would give Ayton acres of space to operate in the post. Posting Ayton on the same side of the floor as Markkanen would give NBA defenders impossible actions to guard if done correctly.

Next: 5 best fits for Wendell Carter

Chicago is one the team that should be doing everything in their power to move up and grab Ayton. They would have to give up some valuable assets in exchange, but his upside is worth betting on if you’re the Bulls. It’s unlikely Chicago will take such a bold move this week, but they should be applauded if they do.

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