Throughout its history, the NBA has seen a number of dynamite frontcourt duos. Duncan and Robinson, Erving and Malone, Davis and Cousins. Next up: Markkanen and Carter Jr.
There must be something about the seventh pick. In 2017 the Chicago Bulls used it to select Lauri Markkanen, the 7 foot Finnish player out of Arizona University. They had acquired that pick along with Kris Dunn and Zach LaVine from Minnesota in the draft day trade for Jimmy Butler. A year later, the Bulls used that same pick to take Wendell Carter Jr., 6’10” centre from Duke. Together, they form one of the best young duos in the league and a lethal starting frontcourt.
Lauri Markkanen had a highly impressive rookie season, surpassing many expectations. He became the fastest player to hit 100 three-pointers and was selected for the All-Rookie First team. While his sophomore season was marred by injuries, he still made improvements in almost all statistical categories. A 7-footer with the handles of a guard and an unrivaled shooting touch, Markkanen has made himself into a franchise cornerstone, with a game that almost perfectly complements frontcourt partner Carter Jr.
Similar to Markannen, Wendell Carter Jr’s season was also shortened due to injury, suiting up for just over half of the games in his rookie campaign. However in the games that he did play he showed flashes of brilliance, especially on the defensive end. Carter Jr. This includes a 28 point, 7 rebound, 3 block game against the pistons. He has proven to be an extremely effective rim protector averaging 1.3 blocks per game while displaying a highly developed defensive IQ. On the other end of the court, he is a reliable back to the basket player, while still having somewhat of a shooting touch.
It is because of the nature of both Markkanen and Carter Jr’s games that they are such ideal partners in the frontcourt. They work seamlessly as an inside-outside duo on offense, Markkanen able to shoot from outside while Carter Jr. takes post looks. Both players are also fairly effective on the drive, making them a volatile offensive pairing. Defensively, Carter Jr. is able to anchor the Chicago Bulls, as well as cover for Markkanen who is a less than stellar on the defensive end. This chemistry will only continue as both players grow and develop, and will both further their respective games by taking aspects of each other.
The Chicago Bulls young frontcourt both have games that complement each other, and are both young and eager to improve. What’s more, they have real chemistry together. This has been shown already this offseason, with Markkanen and Carter Jr. already working out together numerous times.
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Additionally, Carter Jr. attended Six Flags wearing Markkanens jersey.
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Bulls management seems to be taking note of this, with reports coming out suggesting that Chicago are willing to trade anyone except Markkanen or Carter Jr.
If the Chicago Bulls are able to keep Lauri Markkanen and Wendell Carter Jr. together, they will undoubtedly go down as one of the best frontcourts, if not best duos in NBA history. Look for both to make leaps forward in the upcoming season, and hopefully propel the Bulls back into playoff contention.