Watching the NBA playoffs, it's even more apparent the traditional center is dead. Anthony Davis and Joel Embiid aren't centers, they are freaks of nature. They can do guard like things as a 7 footer. While Karl Anthony Towns is a great talent, if he can't improve his perimeter game ... he'll continue to be irrelevant in the playoffs.
New Orleans effectively took Nurkic out the series with Davis and Mirotic's ability to space the floor. Will Portland even try to re sign Nurkic to a big contract? Zach Collins, an athletic / potential stretch 5, looks like the future. That said, props to Mirotic. While he's still not the greatest defender, he's showing that he can be a rim protector with Davis. And Mirotic's ability to space the floor with his size made him a core piece with Davis. New Orleans could be a better team without Cousins.
The new NBA center is either: A) the stretch 5; B) rim protector/athlete/finish at the rim. Capella is a great example of option B. Paxson suggested Markkanen can also be that stretch 5. Hence, the need for more athletic wings. It also proves Portis is part of our future as a stretch 5 off the bench.
IMO, while Bamba and Ayton are intriguing, the new NBA kind of makes them risky investments. I don't think they'll ever become great shooters. They'll need to be rim protectors / mobile / explosive around the rim. Can they become the next Capella? Jaren Jackson and Marvin Bagley might fit better with the new NBA at center. Wings like Porter (IF back is okay) and both Bridges are better equipped to star in the NBA.
That also leads to guard play in the playoffs. Small guards are fine in the regular season, but they struggle in the playoffs (unless a freak shooter like Curry). Lillard is being manhandled by the bigger Holiday. IF Dunn learns to shoot a bit better, he'll be great. LaVine has potential but he needs to get a LOT stronger. He gets pushed around. Unless Trae Young is a freak shooter, Sexton is probably the better draft pick at guard.
BOTTOMLINE: The Bulls need athletic wings who can shoot. The best fits for the Bulls are Doncic, Porter (if back is okay), both Bridges, and Jackson. Doncic is either going to become the next Harden or Hezonja. We shall see.