4. Instantly upgrading the defense
The two teams in the Eastern Conference Finals this year, the Milwaukee Bucks and Toronto Raptors, both play very solid defense. That is the name of the game for a team like the Chicago Bulls that wants to thrive in the East. The insane 7.2 defensive box plus/minus that Zion posted along with his 2.8 defensive win shares highlighted his defensive ability
Even though it seems like the Bulls need to build the offense and keep the focus solely on that to get to prominence in the East, that just isn’t the case. The defense has to improve for this team to take another step forward in the East.
The defensive presence that Zion brings to the table is unmatched by any other forward in this draft. His athleticism leaps over the page and he was one of the most formidable defenders in college last season. Use his physical tools to the best of his ability, and Zion becomes an immediate force on the defensive end.
There’s too much upside for Zion with his strength and leaping ability that goes along with his lateral quickness to not reach his ceiling on defense. His block percentage (5.8) and steal percentage (3.9) were both very solid at Duke, but he needs to take that play to a whole new level in the NBA.