Chicago Bulls: 2018 NBA Draft grades

No. 7: Wendell Carter Jr., Duke

Before we get into the Bulls’ first draft selection, I’d be remiss if I didn’t preface the discussion by stating there were reports about the team talking to the Atlanta Hawks – who owned the third overall pick and the Memphis Grizzlies – who selected at No. 4.

Neither scenario panned out, though, as the Hawks traded down with the Dallas Mavericks. The Hawks drafted Luka Doncic with their pick and sent his draft rights to the Mavs in exchange for Trae Young and a future first round pick.

Meanwhile, the Grizzlies selected Michigan State forward Jaren Jackson Jr., and if the Bulls were interested in moving up to the fourth spot, they would’ve had to eat up the two years and $49 million remaining on Chandler Parsons’ contract, something they were not interested in doing, and rightfully so.

Unable to move up to either of their desired spots; the Bulls stood pat and selected Wendell Carter Jr. from the University of Duke. During his lone season with the Blue Devils, Carter posted averages of 13.5 points and 9.1 rebounds per contest.

He shot 56.1 percent from the field and 41.3 percent from 3-point range, albeit on a small sample size of 46 attempts. While the offensive numbers may not scream future All-Star in the making, it should be noted that Carter was forced to play second fiddle to Marvin Bagley III, who went to the Sacramento Kings at No. 2 and was not the first or second scoring option on a very talented Duke roster.

Also, Carter possesses the ability to face up against defenders or take them down in the post. One other positive about Carter is that he averaged two blocks per outing, which is good news for a Bulls team that finished dead last in this category in 2017-18.

In the eyes of some Bulls fans, this wasn’t exactly the sexiest pick of the draft.

On the other hand, give the Bulls credit for trying to move up a few spots. Even more important, being that Carter is a decent rebounder and shot -locker, he will fit nicely alongside last year’s No. 7 overall pick, Lauri Markkanen.

Grade: B