Chicago Bulls: 5 potential targets with the no. 7 pick
By Ryan Heckman
Power Forward/Center Wendell Carter Jr., Duke
One of the more well-rounded players in all of college basketball last year was overshadowed by Marvin Bagley III, and justifiably so. But, Wendell Carter should end up being a very, very good pro at either power forward or center.
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The versatility of Carter is fantastic, especially because the Bulls don’t necessarily need a power forward with Markkanen and Portis. So, if Carter ends up a Bull, he’d slide in at center and give the Bulls a strong, athletic option at the five spot who can score as well as defend.
Carter’s numbers weren’t exactly eye-popping last year at Duke, but again, it’s due to the fact that Bagley was “the man.” Still, Carter nearly averaged a double-double on the season even in Bagley’s shadow, posting 13.5 points and 9.1 rebounds per game to go along with 2.1 blocks.
An interesting thing Carter brings to the table is a rather underrated three-point shot. If he gets a half second to spot up, he’s actually very, very efficient. Carter can score in a variety of ways, whether it be via mid-range or out of the post. He’s even got a nice turnaround he’ll show off at times.
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If the Bulls want a difference-maker down low and Bamba is off the board, Carter makes a lot of sense. He should be a day-one starter over the veteran Lopez, giving the Bulls a wide variety of youth and athleticism across their lineup.