Fansided

NBA Rookie Rankings: Luka Doncic and Jaren Jackson are pulling away

By Rucker Haringey

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 2: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies controls the ball against Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on December 2, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 2: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies controls the ball against Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on December 2, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – NOVEMBER 28: Wendell Carter Jr. #34 of the Chicago Bulls shoots over Brook Lopez #11 of the Milwaukee Bucks during a game at Fiserv Forum on November 28, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – NOVEMBER 28: Wendell Carter Jr. #34 of the Chicago Bulls shoots over Brook Lopez #11 of the Milwaukee Bucks during a game at Fiserv Forum on November 28, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

4. Wendell Carter

The former Duke star wasn’t good enough to help Fred Hoiberg keep his job, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t playing good basketball. He’s starting to prove to the Bulls that he can be counted on as their starting center for the next decade.

Carter isn’t the flashiest player on Earth, but he’s a really solid player. He’s started 25 games for the Bulls this season and he hasn’t looked out-of-place in the slightest. Specifically, his defense has been better than scouts predicted. He’s averaging a solid 1.6 blocks per game on the young season.

The offensive side of his game needs a little more work. He’s averaging over 11 ppg, but he’s still not efficient on that end of the floor. His effective field goal percentage of 48.1 makes it obvious he has to become a better shooter.

Carter may never be a star, but he’s a solid bet to be an above average starter for the next decade. He’s a foundational piece for the Bulls no matter who becomes his next coach. In fact, Hoiberg’s firing could turn into a real positive for him. If Chicago hires a coach who can help Carter unlock his offensive potential, it could really help his immediate development.

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