Chicago Bulls: How committed are they to each starter?

Center Wendell Carter Jr.

Commitment Level: 90%

Like Markkanen, it would take quite a bit to move Wendell Carter Jr. The feeling around the organization is that these two are the only “untouchables” on the roster. Of course, everyone has a price, but moving Carter would be a big sacrifice.

Also like Markkanen, Carter’s game is rare. He had a solid rookie season (44 games) before missing the remainder of the season due to injury. Carter averaged 10.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.3 blocks in 25 minutes per game.

If you took those numbers, figured in slight improvement and spread them over a 32-minute average in his second year, you’d be looking at something like this:

14.0 points, 9.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.0 blocks per game.

I would take that in a heartbeat, wouldn’t you? This is coming from a guy who played in the shadow of Marvin Bagley III during his college stint at Duke, and fell to no. 7 overall last year. His all-around game with the ability to defend even out to the perimeter, as well as facilitate at an above-average level for a big man, is overly impressive.

Carter has a bright future with Chicago, and next to Markkanen, they will provide the Bulls a talented front court for seasons to come.