Chicago Bulls: 3 players who could slip to no. 7 overall
By Ryan Heckman
Center Wendell Carter Jr., Duke
2017-2018 Statistics: 13.5 points, 9.1 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game
Why he could fall
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Let’s look at a fairly obvious scenario, here. If Ayton and Doncic go first and second, respectively, that wouldn’t be surprising. Then, the next four picks could likely be a combination of Marvin Bagley III, Jaren Jackson Jr., Mo Bamba and Michael Porter Jr. This is assuming that neither Young nor Knox make it into the top six.
At that point, Wendell Carter Jr. would be for the taking, and I have no doubt the Bulls would snag him.
Fit with the Bulls
Out of all of the big men in the draft, Carter has one of the safest floors. He can score in multiple ways, not just around the basket. He is also an underrated defender. Playing in the shadow of Bagley, he didn’t get as much press. But, he’s a great rebounder and passer. He isn’t the most athletic or explosive, but neither is a guy like Lauri Markkanen, and he’s looking like a pretty solid bet for the future of the team.
Carter does a lot of the basic stuff right. His jump shot has become a consistent part of his game. His footwork is better than most. He’s a very skilled player who is fundamentally sound in multiple facets of the game.