Chicago Bulls: Wendell Carter Jr. shining since return from injury

What the Chicago Bulls are getting out of the likes of third-year center Wendell Carter Jr. since returning from injury earlier this month is nothing short of awesome. It feels like first-year head coach Billy Donovan has found a good role to put WCJ in on both ends of the floor, that really contributes in an efficient way night in and night out for this starting five.

With the likes of fourth-year former Arizona Wildcats power forward Lauri Markkanen out of the lineup right now, dealing with a shoulder injury, the former Duke Blue Devils big man WCJ is assuming more responsibility in the frontcourt rotation. And while it doesn’t always look pretty for WCJ, he’s getting it done when it matters the most.

It’s hard to argue with the fact that WCJ hasn’t made meaningful and efficient contributions to help build up the three-game winning streak that the Bulls currently sit on. In fact, the Bulls hold a record of 5-1 since WCJ returned to the lineup less than two weeks ago. They’re only loss was by a close margin against the top team in the Eastern Conference standings at the moment, back on Feb. 19 against the Philadelphia 76ers on the road.

Moreover, WCJ’s efficiency as a whole this season has gone up, largely thanks to his production and efficiency since returning to the lineup on Feb. 15.

What WCJ has done for the Chicago Bulls since returning

The most efficient month of the season so far for WCJ is in February. Since returning to the rotation, he’s averaged around 15 points per game, eight rebounds, two assists, two steals, and two blocks. And he’s shot 58.0 percent from the field, 50.0 percent from beyond the arc, and 73.0 percent from the free-throw line.

That all has amounted to a solid 62 true shooting percentage, 110 offensive rating, and 102 defensive rating. He’s only getting better as this season moves along.

WCJ has also scored in the double figures in five of the six games he’s played in since returning from injury, and he’s amassed a double-double in two straight games. In the Bulls last two games combined, in wins over the Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves, WCJ combined for 35 points, 23 rebounds, four steals, and five blocks.

He’s really on fire since returning to the Bulls rotation roughly 10 days ago. The Bulls are clearly finding a lot more success in the win column with him in the mix, and hopefully that only continues moving forward.

WCJ and the Bulls moved their record on the season so far to 15-16, now sitting in the top six in the standings in the East, following their 133-126 overtime win at home at the United Center over the Timberwolves on the night of Feb. 24.

Next up for WCJ and the momentous Bulls is a meeting at home at the United Center with the surging Phoenix Suns and star veteran point guard Chris Paul on Feb. 26. The Bulls will take on the 20-11 Suns heading into the weekend, with tip off time set for 7 p.m. CT.