Chicago Bulls: 3 rookie goals for Wendell Carter Jr.
By Luke Askew
Find his role
One of the problems that many rookies face is finding their role on their new roster. This can be what separates players like Donovan Mitchell from players like Frank Ntilikina. Don’t get me wrong, these are two totally different players in two totally different situations, but their different roles are a big part in what contributed to their different levels of success during the 2017-18 NBA season.
Ntilikina was selected before Mitchell in the 2017 NBA Draft but the Knicks had a bit of a logjam at point guard. With players like Trey Burke, Jarrett Jack, Ron Baker, Emmanuel Mudiay and Frank Ntilikina, there weren’t many minutes to be played by the rookie. Ntilikina saw his minutes change game to game and started in a mere 9 games. I think the lack of a defined role and consistency is what contributed to him averaging a rough 5.9 points, 3.2 assists and 2.3 rebounds per game.
Mitchell, on the other hand, stepped into a situation where he had a clear role. The departure of Gordon Hayward meant there was an opening on the wing, and once Mitchell proved himself, the Jazz never looked back. By the time the playoffs rolled around, Mitchell was the go-to scorer or playmaker whenever the Jazz needed a bucket. His defined role (and insane skill level) helped contribute to his impressive rookie averages of 20.5 points, 3.7 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game.
Wendell Carter Jr. needs to find his role and hopefully find it fast.
Besides Robin Lopez, the Chicago Bulls don’t have any other players that should compete for minutes at the 5. I expect Lopez to start the first couple of games as Carter Jr. finds his footing in the league, but it shouldn’t be long before he starts alongside Lauri Markkanen in the frontcourt. Maybe he’ll even be ready for that come opening night. After all, that pairing is largely the reason the Bulls drafted him.
If Wendell Carter Jr. can find his role and make his presence known on both ends of the court, he should have a spectacular season that could land him on the NBA All-Rookie First Team.