Chicago Bulls: Wendell Carter Jr. better centerpiece than Lauri Markkanen?

Could the Chicago Bulls have a choice in mind by the end of the 2019-20 regular season for the solidified face of the franchise?

A cornerstone for the franchise for the Chicago Bulls could be what leads them back to prominence and title contention in the Eastern Conference. For now, this growing young core for the Bulls appears to be led by three players. Power forward Lauri Markkanen, center Wendell Carter Jr., and shooting guard Zach LaVine, could all emerge as the face of the franchise for the Bulls.

However, the two youngest potential stars for the Bulls are Markkanen and Carter Jr. Former North Carolina Tar Heels point guard Coby White could be the next in line to get that star appeal with this young Bulls core. Yet, White has a long way to go to prove that he can hang with that group of young star guards around the NBA.

Markkanen surely had his flashes of what he could become. Showings like he had back in February during the 2018-19 regular season flashed not just star potential, but a superstar ceiling. Granted that is a bit of a stretch given the lack of consistency and health from Markkanen in his two seasons in the NBA so far.

Last season, Markkanen averaged 18.7 points per game, 9.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists. If he irons out the health problems and the shooting inconsistencies, then Markkanen could be a true versatile threat that is nearly impossible to deal with for opposing defenders.

The former seventh overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft for the Bulls Carter Jr. had himself a good rookie campaign. But it also left a lot to be desired. Chicago Bulls head coach Jim Boylen didn’t let him draw him and extend his range as much as fans would’ve liked. Carter Jr. averaged just 10.3 points per game, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists as a rookie with the Bulls.

There were signs that Carter Jr. could have star potential and more appeal as a long-term solution for this franchise than Markkanen. There’s a growing concern that players with the length and skill set of a Markkanen or Kristaps Porzingis (of the Dallas Mavericks) won’t ever be able to stay healthy on a regular basis.

If Carter Jr. does get the chance to extend his range during his sophomore season in the NBA, he could start to become one of the more well-rounded young centers in this league. Carter Jr. shot under 20 percent from three-point range and 50 percent from the field, but he has the mechanics to improve quickly.

It looked as if Carter Jr. was put in situations where he wasn’t allowed to thrive to the fullest extent given his skill set last season. He needs to get more looks facing up instead of having his back to the basket within the post. Slightly under half of his attempts from the field last season were at the rim. He should be able to improve his shooting percentage with so many looks around the rim, though.

Finding a greater level of efficiency with a better supporting cast will be pivotal for both Carter Jr. and Markkanen this coming season. But whoever can stay healthy and at least make a certain degree of progress during the 2019-20 regular season could become the piece that the Bulls front office chooses to build around for the long haul.

LaVine could also be a key piece to watch for the Chicago Bulls during the upcoming regular season. But Markkanen and Carter Jr. figure to be the future of this franchise when it comes down to it. That’s at least where the faith should be going for John Paxson and Gar Forman.