Chicago Bulls: 3 players whose stock rose with Billy Donovan hire

1. Center Wendell Carter Jr.

Interestingly enough, Donovan was all-in on Wendell Carter Jr. when he was coming out of high school. Donovan recruited him heavily, so he is familiar with what Carter brings to the table. He told Bulls media he sees Carter as a “high-character, talented big man.”

When the Bulls drafted Carter back in 2018, he felt somewhat like a consolation prize. That class featured some talented big men whom fans wanted to see fall to the Bulls. Both Jaren Jackson and Marvin Bagley were two guys fans were hoping might just slip, but they didn’t.

Obviously, Deandre Ayton was going number one. Then, there was Mo Bamba, who many thought would be a perfect selection for the Bulls, who needed a physical, defensive presence in the paint. Bamba went the pick just before Carter, so he sort of felt like settling for the next best player.

But, Carter quickly proved he could end up being the best all-around center from that class. Injuries have been an issue thus far in his career, but assuming he’s put those behind him, Carter could actually flourish under Donovan. He may seem more quiet and soft-spoken at times, but make no mistake, there’s physicality in his game.

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Some may not realize the impact a guy like Steven Adams has had in Oklahoma City, but Adams has been one of the more underrated, valuable centers in basketball for a few years now. He’s been a true center — a guy who mainly holds down the paint, rebounds the basketball and can score around the rim.

Donovan’s experience with Adams should play a role in what Carter’s future looks like. Believe it or not, Carter averaged more points and rebounds than Adams last season. Most might take Adams over Carter when asked to choose, but Carter’s potential is sneaky good.

Donovan is all about getting the most out of his players and using their strengths. Carter’s mid-range game has been on display in the past, and I think Donovan will try to bring that to the surface a bit more while still keeping Carter around the paint for the most part. Look for his third year to be his best yet, by far.