Lauri, Wendell, and Coby: Which Bulls’ 7th Overall Pick Has the Most Upside?
The No.7 has been a product number in the Bulls past and recent draft history. Kirk Hinrich was drafted with the No.7 pick in 2003 and Luol Deng in 2004.
Both rank among the top 10 scorers in Bulls history and helped establish a winning culture that was badly needed once Michael Jordan retired.
Three years ago the Bulls netted the No.7, which became Lauri Markkanen, Kris Dunn, and Zach LaVine pick as part of the trade that sent Jimmy Butler to Minnesota.
Wendell Carter Jr would be taken with the No.7 pick 1 year later, and just last year the Bulls found their point guard of the future in Coby White.
All three picks have shown flashes of becoming NBA stars in the making, but have yet to showcase their full potential on a consistent basis as injury and a lack of starting opportunities have taken their toll on the season.
That begs the question of which player has the most upside as we look forward to the Bulls future.
After taking a look at their careers thus far you can be the judge.
Lauri Markkanen: The Finnish Phenom
Last year was a sort of break out year for the 3rd year power forward as he averaged 18.7 points and 9 rebounds per game.
But early on Markkanen’s abilities were recognized from everyone around the league. Dirk Nowitzki had high praise for Lauri’s talents back in January of 2018.
“Really, really good,” Nowitzki told reporters of Dallas Morning News when asked for his first impression of the rookie. “I didn’t know he was really that athletic. He shoots it easy. Can move his feet. Can play above the rim. He’s going to be great for a long, long time. I heard he’s a great kid, he’s a hard worker. I mean that offensive game is already very polished. Shoots it with range, seems confident out there. He’s gonna be great for a long time.”
Indeed Nowitzki’s assessment, much like his draft profile, was the foundation upon which most Bulls fans had placed their hopes regarding Markkanen’s career trajectory. His size, athletic ability, and shooting strengths would catapult him into stardom in his 3rd year.
Things haven’t exactly worked out that way for Markkanen, however, as he continues to fight injuries that have derailed much of his NBA career. Markkanen also hasn’t found his footing in Jim Boylen‘s offense, as his overall numbers have plummeted since his hot start in the league. That can and will likely be solved with Boylen’s ouster. The Bulls will have to find a coach that can help Markkanen unlock the potential that he showcased in year 2.
Wendell Carter Jr: The Immovable Object
Upon entering the league at 19 years of age, Wendell Carter made an immediate impact for the Bulls. He was a dominant, rim-protecting force before injury caused him to miss the final 38 games of his rookie year.
The beginning parts of his 2nd year showed a lot more growth in Carter’s overall game. He was more assertive around the rim and getting to the free-throw line. He seemed more confident in his shots from the perimeter in initiating the offense from the key in dribble handoff opportunities.
But the regular season has been put on hiatus and Bulls fans are probably still not sure what they have in Carter. They, of course, don’t expect Carter to put up a large number of shots, particularly with volume shooters like Zach LaVine and Markkanen. Not with the coaching staff shaping this offense to rely more and more on 3 point opportunities and shying away from low post scoring where Carter can do a lot of damage.
And yet Carter possesses the tools to be a future All-Star down the line should he be able to stay healthy on the court. He’s played solid defense, is a respectable playmaker, and rebounds the ball well, despite Boylen’s silly blitzing defensive concept that runs him out of position. Moreover, he has the shooting mechanics that say his shot-making abilities can extend even to a three-point range.
It remains to be seen if Carter can flourish in the system that he is playing within, but his career trajectory says that he can be a force for years to come.
Coby White: High Octane
There aren’t nearly enough words to describe Coby White’s rookie year. So let’s just use the term ‘a roller coaster of inconsistencies‘. White shot just south of 39% from the field in his first few months playing in the league. And his speed didn’t quite match his ability to be a solid play-maker for others on offense.
That could be why the Bulls felt the need for White to stay in the bench role that he was in throughout much of the year. Quite frankly, he just wasn’t ready to start, at least not with the sometimes steadying presence of Tomas Satoranksy in the starting unit.
But after the All-Star break, something just seemed to click with White. His ability to finish at the rim and play through contact, while connecting on his jumpers became much more reliable. Suddenly White’s play was up there with the best in the league as he averaged 24.7 points per game while connecting on over 40% from long distance.
All the more impressive is that White had been doing his damage while still playing in a bench role. And the Bulls were relying on his services with Zach LaVine out with an extended injury.
All three of these Bulls prospects seem to possess unique skill sets that, given the right coaching, can return the Bulls back to their winning ways.
Only time will tell who can emerge as the better of the three and realize meeting their true potential.
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