Chicago Bulls big board for 2018 NBA Draft
By Ryan Heckman
7. Forward/Center Wendell Carter Jr., Duke
There is much to like about Wendell Carter, Jr. when looking at today’s NBA. At 6-foot-10, Carter has the ability to play at either the four or five spot due to his strength and athleticism. He is the perfect size to be able to experiment with in terms of setting a lineup as a coach.
Carter played in the shadow of Bagley for most of the time last year, but he still came into college as a guy who could do it all, and teams should remember that. Although Bagley dominated Duke headlines, Carter still had himself a heck of a season.
Wendell Carter Jr. 2018 NBA Draft Scouting Video. Carter is one of the highest-floor prospects in the draft. 6-10, 7-5 wingspan, can beat switches on the block, space it to 3, think the game, protect the rim, and rebound his position. https://t.co/xeDH6aYiCp pic.twitter.com/MPzE1jlLX3
— Mike Schmitz (@Mike_Schmitz) June 8, 2018
Offensively, Carter plays even better outside the paint than he does beneath the basket at times. He’s not a poor player beneath the basket, but he’s very comfortable in the mid-range; he also shot 41 percent from deep on limited time spent beyond the arc. Overall, Carter shot over 55 percent from the field last year — very solid.
Carter is a great rebounder, mainly because of the athletic ability he presents. While playing next to Bagley, Carter still came down with 9.1 rebounds per game and scored nearly 14 points per game to go with.
Picks 3-through-7 are real muddy right now. I wouldn’t be shocked to see a variety of scenarios come to play on draft night, so the Bulls better be ready to see Carter there at no. 7 overall. If he’s there, he’s undoubtedly the pick.