3. Wendell Carter Jr., Center
At the outset of the 2019-20 regular season, the second-year former Duke Blue Devils center Wendell Carter Jr. looked like he could still be in a position to become the next face of the franchise. WCJ was on fire out of the gates for the Bulls in the season that was. But he only got to play in a similar number of games this season compared to his rookie campaign.
Injuries continued to hold WCJ back this season, as he played in 43 games total thanks to an ankle sprain he suffered back in January. In those 43 games played, WCJ averaged 11.3 points per game, 9.4 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.8 blocks. He shot 53.4 percent from the field, 20.7 percent from beyond the arc, and 73.7 percent from the free-throw line.
That amounted to WCJ registering a -2.4 box plus/minus rating, -0.1 value over replacement player rating, .127 win shares per 48 minutes, 3.3 total win shares, a 15.5 player efficiency rating, and a 59.0 true shooting percentage. The advanced metrics definitely paint a fuzzy picture for the true production of WCJ in his second season in the NBA.
However, with this list really relying on four main factors (current remaining contract, age, advanced production in the last two seasons, and assumed potential) WCJ still easily places in the top three. WCJ still has a high ceiling left as a very intelligent two-way big man. His ability to cover ground and make the proper plays off-ball on defense are special. And combine that with his court vision and increasingly improving jump shot to compliment a solid rebounding ability, and you realize that WCJ has a rare skill set for a young big man.