Steps the Chicago Bulls must take to reach the playoffs in 2021

Keep Wendell Carter Jr. healthy

One of the most promising players on the Bulls’ roster is Wendell Carter Jr. The big man showed significant improvement from his rookie season to last year. He upped his scoring from 10.3 to 11.3 points per game, increased his rebounds from 7.0 to 9.4 per game, and improved his field goal percentage from 48.5 to 53.4 percent.

These are exciting trends for Bulls fans as the numbers show they have a player capable of being a walking double-double while shooting a high percentage from the field. Carter’s balanced contribution of points, rebounds and physicality could make him a mainstay as Chicago’s primary interior presence for years to come.

The biggest question mark surrounding Carter is durability. Last season, he appeared in 43 out of 65 games. The year before that, he played in 44 out of 82 games. Carter was able to appear in a higher percentage of the Bull’s game this past season, which shows he’s trending in the right direction.

The primary concern is keeping the momentum going. History has shown that injuries often nag big men more persistently than guards, who generally weigh less and put less wear and tear on their bodies. If Wendell Carter Jr. is healthy, he’s a lock to be an important part of Chicago’s promising young core.