Chicago Bulls: Individual challenges for each player

Wendell Carter Jr.: Start to live up to Al Horford comparisons

Ahead of the 2018 NBA Draft, almost every analysis of Wendell Carter Jr. pointed to him being an NBA-ready, carbon copy of Philadelphia’s Al Horford. A Horford-mold player is exactly the thing the Bulls need: an elite two-way player who doesn’t need a ton of touches to make a difference.

To say that Carter has failed to live up to the hype is unfair, as he played in only 44 games last year and put up strikingly similar numbers to Horford’s rookie year. However, expect the second year big to make a major stride in his game next season and remind fans why he was a top-ten pick just one year ago.

Otto Porter Jr: Carry over success from the end of last season

After Otto Porter Jr. was acquired from the Washington Wizards at the trade deadline, he played better basketball than anyone could have asked for as a Bull. He played efficient off ball offense, provided a very solid defensive presence, and appeared to be a good guy for the locker room. At 26 years of age, Porter is never going to live up to his max deal.

However, if he can do exactly what he did in 15 games as a Bull last season, he could be what pushes this team into a playoff spot. Off ball three-and-D players are essential in modern basketball, and Porter provides this for the Bulls.