After months of anticipation, the day that will change the immediate future of the Chicago Bulls has come and gone. Here’s what went down.
Wow, what a night in Brooklyn.
Your newest Chicago Bulls are Wendell Carter Jr. and Chandler Hutchison.
Here’s what Bulls VP of basketball operations John Paxson had to say about the night:
"“A year ago on draft night we made a decision to trade Jimmy Butler and begin a rebuild, and we got a jump on that with the three pieces we got back. Tonight is an extension of that. We feel good about the direction we’re heading…our scouting staff is always terrific and they did a tremendous job. Tonight’s a culmination of all of that work. We got two players that will help us grow, and quickly.”"
Entering the draft, the Bulls had primarily been connected to a group of about five players. Those players were Trae Young, Michael Porter Jr., Wendell Carter Jr., Mo Bamba, and Mikal Bridges. Ultimately, Gar Forman and John Paxson decided Wendell Carter Jr. was who they would entrust with the keys to the organizations’ hypothetical Ferrari.
Following a trade between Dallas and Atlanta swapping Luka Doncic and Trae Young, there was a hope Texas big-man Mo Bamba would slip to the Bulls at #7. However, such a scenario never unfolded, with Orlando snatching the 7-footer before Chicago at #6. The Bulls then tabbed Carter as the 7th overall selection.
Luckily, it is safe to say Carter is happy to be in Chicago
“My mind went blank. It was a surreal moment and something I’ve been waiting for. When I heard my name it was like wow I’m really in the NBA.” @wendellcarter34 on being drafted 7th. pic.twitter.com/jtU8lZ4QfK
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) June 22, 2018
The Bulls played a part in the Michael Porter Jr. draft day slide, as he fell to the Denver Nuggets at #14 after it was reported teams were scared off by a recent medical report. Will they live to regret it? Perhaps, but Carter is undoubtedly a stellar fit with the rebuilding Bulls.
For an in depth scouting report of Carter Jr., you can read Nicholas Niendorf‘s piece below:
In his lone season at Duke, the freshman averaged 13.5 PPG while shooting 56% from the field. Frequently compared to Al Horford, Carter Jr. is a bruiser. He has an NBA-ready body (6-10, 259 lbs) and is regarded by many as the best rebounder in the draft. (9 RPG) Carter is a better 3-point shooter than one would assume, shooting 41% in college, and the Bulls would gush if that part of his game translates well aside Lauri Markkanen. He should be an invaluable fit next to Markkanen, as the two should form a stellar inside-out duo at the United Center.
In the worst kept secret of the draft, Chicago selected 6’7 G/F Chandler Hutchison 22nd overall. After a mid-May report suggested a potential promise from Chicago to Hutchison, the Bulls followed through. A four-year player at Boise State, Hutchison’s career can adequately be described as stellar.
His senior stat-line included 20 PPG and 7.7 RPG. A 36% 3-point shooter, Hutchison has frequently been compared to Lakers first-year standout Kyle Kuzma. Improving each year at Boise State, Hutchison is a hard worker who can play multiple positions and defend. Look for Hutchison to step into Fred Hoiberg’s system right away as a smart, experienced piece.
Read Khobi Price‘s scouting report and watch a bit more about Hutchison below:
Should Bulls fans be happy?
You could see it from a mile away. Once the Bulls selected Wendell Carter with Michael Porter Jr. still available, Bulls Twitter went up in flames. Is the anger justified? Who knows, but Bulls fans would be remiss if they didn’t give the former Duke Blue Devil a chance. Overshadowed at Duke by #2 selection Marvin Bagley III, many say Carter never got a chance to show everything in his arsenal.
As a Bulls fan, one should be very optimistic about the prospect of a Carter/Markkanen front-court. While some are upset Michael Porter Jr. will be balling in Denver, Carter gives the Bulls a steady, dependable player. Viewed as an outstanding teammate as a Blue Devil by his peers, Carter also has perhaps the highest floor in the draft. Take into consideration the addition of an experienced player such as Hutchison, Bulls fans should not be too quick to label this a failed night.
What next?
The Bulls will compete in the Las Vegas Summer League and will open up July 7th opposite Collin Sexton and the Cavaliers. Carter Jr. and Hutchison will likely be among those making the trip to the MGM Grand Resort. Who is one Bull who likely won’t be there? Lauri Markkanen.
Next: The Chicago Bulls are happy with their selections
After a First Team All-Rookie selection Markkanen likely will spend his summer at home. With Carter Jr. and Hutchison on board, it will once again be another intriguing summer watching these young Bulls work their way back into contention.