Chicago Bulls: Wendell Carter Jr. is the one bright spot so far

To begin the 2019-2020 season, the Chicago Bulls have looked absolutely atrocious. However, Wendell Carter Jr. has looked very good so far.

Chicago Bulls‘ stars Lauri Markkanen and Zach LaVine are heavily considered the top two players on the team. Although this is true, Wendell Carter Jr. has been the best Chicago Bull over the first six games of the season, and it is not even close. The second year player out of Duke is beginning to show the league why he was taken seventh overall last year.

Carter is currently averaging 14.6 points and 9.4 rebounds on 61.5 percent shooting to go along with a block per game. Perhaps the most impressive part of these numbers is the fact that he is doing so in only 27.9 minutes of action per game. He is beginning to show flashes of the Al Horford comparisons he received in his draft profile, which is extremely exciting for Bulls fans.

Confidence is perhaps the biggest key for the big man this season, as he seems to be playing much more assertive basketball this season. His style of play is much more aggressive and powerful than it was last season, where he was a bit more soft. Carter is already averaging 1.1 more offensive rebounds per game than he did in 2018-2019, which has led to fantastic second opportunities for the Bulls to capitalize on. Even his mannerisms on the court have showed fans how comfortable Carter is on the court this season, as he is a much more fiery and exciting player this year.

His defense has perhaps been the most impactful part of his game this year, as the Atlanta native has anchored the paint extremely well through the six played. Not only is his shot blocking presence felt down low, but also his ability to stay strong in the post and defend slashing guards driving into the lane. His help defense has also been easily the best on the team to this point.

Being that he has been far and away the most consistent player for the Bulls this season, Wendell should see an increase in his minutes very soon. In addition to his personal achievements, Carter should be playing more sheerly because of the fact that the center position is extremely weak for the Bulls.

Luke Kornet has been atrocious on both ends of the floor this season, while rookie Daniel Gafford has only seen two minutes of action through six outings. Wendell should without a doubt be playing upwards of thirty minutes per contest, and we will more than likely see this increase happen soon.

The Bulls cannot rely on Carter to be a lead scorer for the entire year, as they will find themselves in the lottery for a third straight season. However, Carter’s efficient production could be a phenomenal third or fourth option for the Bulls.

If and when LaVine and Markkanen snap out of their funks and start playing the way they are supposed to, Carter’s development should make them a serious playoff contender in the East. Unit this happens, however, the Bulls are in trouble.