5 most impressive rookies in NBA Summer League

5 most impressive rookies in Summer League

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 9: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns and Mohamed Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic look on during the game during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 10: Wendell Carter Jr. #34 of the Chicago Bulls dribbles against Jock Landale #34 of the Atlanta Hawks during the 2018 NBA Summer League at the Cox Pavilion on July 10, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

4. Wendell Carter

There was an undercurrent of thought during the draft that Carter, not Marvin Bagley, was the best Duke big man available. That thought may not turn out to be correct in the end, but Carter certainly added to the speculation with his performance during Summer League.

Unlike his college career, Carter was given the freedom by the Bulls’ coaching staff to show off his full range of offensive gifts during his four games in Vegas. He was able to average 16.8 points per game while shooting 63 percent from the field. He’s not going to be that efficient in the regular season, but the versatility of his offensive game is a huge boost for Chicago.

Most people knew Carter could score, but there were doubts over whether or not he could defend like a modern NBA big. Those questions aren’t totally answered, but the early returns are encouraging. Carter was able to block shots and move well laterally to stay in front of his man. He may never be a dominant rim protector or lock down switch guy, but he looks as if he can hold his own defensively.

For a rebuilding team like Chicago, being able to check off multiple positions early in the process is invaluable. Theoretically, the Bulls know they have three future starters in Zach LaVine, Lauri Markkanen and Wendell Carter. That sets them up to target impact players at other positions to accelerate their rebuild in the years to come. Carter’s quality takes one more position off the needs list for the Bulls.

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