NBA Rookie of the Year power rankings: Week 3

5. Wendell Carter Jr., Chicago Bulls

Last week: Not ranked

Wendell Carter Jr. has become an impact big man on both ends in the Chicago Bulls‘ rotation. He’s putting up 10.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.8 blocks per contest for the Bulls so far this season. He’s picked up where he left off at Duke and it’s shown the more he’s given opportunities.

Carter has put up double-figure scoring in Chicago’s past three contests and he put up the first double-double of his career this past Saturday night.

On Wednesday night, he produced 25 points, eight rebounds, five assists, three steals and three blocks against the Denver Nuggets, a team with a 7-1 record. The Bulls’ rookie joined some elite company with his stat line, becoming the youngest player since LeBron James to post 25 points, eight rebounds, five assists and three blocks in a game.

The Bulls are just 2-6 on the season, but with Carter’s presence in the paint, it’s hard to imagine Lauri Markkanen‘s return wouldn’t boost this team’s odds going forward. Markkanen is currently sidelined with an elbow injury. When he returns, which the team hopes is in late November, Carter could be another player that raises his Rookie of the Year stock.