The time is now for the Chicago Bulls to legitimately consider the possibility of “tanking” and making moves to draft Duke’s Zion Williamson.
After the Chicago Bulls traded Jabari Parker, Bobby Portis and a second-round draft pick to the Washington Wizards for Otto Porter Jr., the deal begs the question of how both franchises lack direction. Here’s a look at why the Chicago Bulls, in particular, need Duke University standout Zion Williamson more than ever.
Let’s be honest, the Chicago Bulls need to get fans in the seats at the United Center, and Williamson gives the franchise the best option of making it a reality. The NBA is a business after all. So, if that means the Bulls have to commit to tanking thereby stunting the development of its young core for the remainder of this season, so be it.
Some readers of my last draft prospects piece scoffed at the idea of the Bulls passing on the Duke University standout should they land the No. 1 overall pick. At the time, the Bulls had two quality big men coming off the bench in Portis and Parker.
It’s no question that Williamson is a top draft prospect.
So, why have my thoughts on the Bulls and how it finishes this season changed?
For one thing, Williamson is a transformational type of talent that puts people in seats.
According to data provided by Vivid Seats, Duke fans travel a median distance of 469 miles to watch Duke play at Cameron Indoor.
This might sound far-fetched for collegiate basketball, but let’s put this into context.
The median distance traveled by fans to watch Duke play on the road is the greatest distance over the past five years, including Duke’s 2015 National Championship season, according to Vivid Seats.
But wait, the Williamson effect—as I like to call it—doesn’t end there. Not only do fans travel afar to watch Duke, but also they’re willing to pay twice as much more.
According to Vivid Seats, the most expensive ticket sold to this year’s Duke vs. University of North Carolina game went for $10,652, nearly double the most expensive ticket to last year’s game, which was valued at $5,400.
The hope is Williamson’s domination of the NCAA will translate well to the NBA.
I would be remised if I did not admit I’m devastated by the Bulls’ decision to trade both Parker and Portis. Both big men provided positive contributions to an otherwise underwhelming bench. Parker and Portis gave the Bulls the appearance of having direction in navigating year No. 2 of the rebuild, but what the future holds for the franchise is less clear for the time being.
Let it be clear, now I’m all in for the tank. The Bulls need Williamson more than ever.