Wendell Carter Jr - The Block Panther Edition

[Red Larrivee]

I don't think I said I would draft Mitchell Robinson at #7 overall. I said I rated Mitchell Robinson above Wendell Carter Jr and would have taken him above WCJ. In fact, I've stated on this board a few times, I would have liked to grab Doncic or MPJ with the #7 pick (higher if we traded up for Doncic) and then taken Mitchell Robinson with #22.

But, why do you have Robinson over Carter? What does he do better besides jump higher? I'm just curious.

And why would you take a player who failed a medical test over anyone at 7?

[Flopper]

Not sure if anyone else mentioned it, but this article correctly points out that drafting a guy like WCJ could end up being a very forward-thinking move since players like him could be a requirement to match up with with the next wave of dominant players at the 5 position:

https://www.theringer.com/nba/2018/6/18/17473842/wendell-carter-marvin-bagley-duke-nba-draft

In the age of positionless basketball, we so often focus on a big man’s ability to defend the perimeter, which is indeed critical. But they still need to excel at defending their counterparts. The Joel Embiid, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Anthony Davis types could someday be the bigs who need to be beaten to advance to the NBA Finals. The Hamptons Five Warriors won’t last forever.

[nitetrain8603]

I don't think I said I would draft Mitchell Robinson at #7 overall. I said I rated Mitchell Robinson above Wendell Carter Jr and would have taken him above WCJ. In fact, I've stated on this board a few times, I would have liked to grab Doncic or MPJ with the #7 pick (higher if we traded up for Doncic) and then taken Mitchell Robinson with #22.

But, why do you have Robinson over Carter? What does he do better besides jump higher? I'm just curious.

And why would you take a player who failed a medical test over anyone at 7?

Robinson has much better athleticism (quicker, faster, better vertical), the ability to recover on defense, has an excellent 2nd and 3rd hop, really fluid (runs like a deer IMO), has lateral quickness, and is an elite shotblocker. Has a 9'2 standing reach which is better than WCJ. He can only go out to mid-range, but I'm fine with that. I want my C getting boards. Most importantly, he can defend the pick n roll with the best C in the league.

WCJ has a more refined offensive game, but I'm fine with that. I want difference makers and I thought that's what the Bulls wanted more of too. This leads me to MPJ. While some liken him to KD/Giannis, I think he's more PG13/Klay which is great with me. He has an unblockable shot, good athleticism and a nice feel for the game, though he leans on being a scorer as opposed to making the pass everytime. If he's healthy (I certainly don't trust the Bulls' medical staff with diagnosing or sharing medical info), he has superstar ability. And he also didn't require you to give up anything.

You might say with two guys like that, we would've stunk again next year. That was part of my plan too. I wanted to stink next year too instead of shotgunning the whole thing. Get another high pick (preferably top 3), then go into the offseason with tons of cap room, a valuable trade asset, and young, athletic talent. Imagine if you're able to get Kyrie and Jimmy back here (I think they are going to end up playing together somewhere).

Kyrie
Butler
MPJ
Lauri
Robinson

That's a damn good starting 5 with the proper mix of shooting, defending and speed.

[keobulls]

I don't think I said I would draft Mitchell Robinson at #7 overall. I said I rated Mitchell Robinson above Wendell Carter Jr and would have taken him above WCJ. In fact, I've stated on this board a few times, I would have liked to grab Doncic or MPJ with the #7 pick (higher if we traded up for Doncic) and then taken Mitchell Robinson with #22.

But, why do you have Robinson over Carter? What does he do better besides jump higher? I'm just curious.

And why would you take a player who failed a medical test over anyone at 7?

Robinson has much better athleticism (quicker, faster, better vertical), the ability to recover on defense, has an excellent 2nd and 3rd hop, really fluid (runs like a deer IMO), has lateral quickness, and is an elite shotblocker. Has a 9'2 standing reach which is better than WCJ. He can only go out to mid-range, but I'm fine with that. I want my C getting boards. Most importantly, he can defend the pick n roll with the best C in the league.

WCJ has a more refined offensive game, but I'm fine with that. I want difference makers and I thought that's what the Bulls wanted more of too. This leads me to MPJ. While some liken him to KD/Giannis, I think he's more PG13/Klay which is great with me. He has an unblockable shot, good athleticism and a nice feel for the game, though he leans on being a scorer as opposed to making the pass everytime. If he's healthy (I certainly don't trust the Bulls' medical staff with diagnosing or sharing medical info), he has superstar ability. And he also didn't require you to give up anything.

You might say with two guys like that, we would've stunk again next year. That was part of my plan too. I wanted to stink next year too instead of shotgunning the whole thing. Get another high pick (preferably top 3), then go into the offseason with tons of cap room, a valuable trade asset, and young, athletic talent. Imagine if you're able to get Kyrie and Jimmy back here (I think they are going to end up playing together somewhere).

Kyrie
Butler
MPJ
Lauri
Robinson

That's a damn good starting 5 with the proper mix of shooting, defending and speed.

I hope all the "it was only against HS kids" crew doesn't see this post, this could get ugly quick!

[Red Larrivee]

Robinson has much better athleticism (quicker, faster, better vertical), the ability to recover on defense, has an excellent 2nd and 3rd hop, really fluid (runs like a deer IMO), has lateral quickness, and is an elite shotblocker. Has a 9'2 standing reach which is better than WCJ. He can only go out to mid-range, but I'm fine with that. I want my C getting boards. Most importantly, he can defend the pick n roll with the best C in the league.

WCJ has a more refined offensive game, but I'm fine with that. I want difference makers and I thought that's what the Bulls wanted more of too. This leads me to MPJ. While some liken him to KD/Giannis, I think he's more PG13/Klay which is great with me. He has an unblockable shot, good athleticism and a nice feel for the game, though he leans on being a scorer as opposed to making the pass everytime. If he's healthy (I certainly don't trust the Bulls' medical staff with diagnosing or sharing medical info), he has superstar ability. And he also didn't require you to give up anything.

You might say with two guys like that, we would've stunk again next year. That was part of my plan too. I wanted to stink next year too instead of shotgunning the whole thing. Get another high pick (preferably top 3), then go into the offseason with tons of cap room, a valuable trade asset, and young, athletic talent. Imagine if you're able to get Kyrie and Jimmy back here (I think they are going to end up playing together somewhere).

Kyrie
Butler
MPJ
Lauri
Robinson

That's a damn good starting 5 with the proper mix of shooting, defending and speed.

I wouldn't stretch that far. I think you're assuming that because Robinson is a better athlete, that he can stay with guards and defend in space more efficiently. I think he has that potential, but his awareness sucks. To me, his defensive ability looks really raw outside of blocking shots. His fundamentally behind Carter on both ends, doesn't have a good feel for the game and lacks detail. Robinson strikes me as a dime-a-dozen rim running center. He could definitely be useful in the league. DeAndre Jordan fell to Round 2 as well, but I think he has a ways to go.

There's really nothing to discuss on Porter as an option at 7. Multiple doctors for different teams failed him, including the Bulls. Denver is the only team that decided to take the plunge despite it. If he stays healthy and lives up to his potential, more power to him. But, that's just not a risk you take that high.

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[gmoney2]

I wouldn't stretch that far. I think you're assuming that because Robinson is a better athlete, that he can stay with guards and defend in space more efficiently. I think he has that potential, but his awareness sucks. To me, his defensive ability looks really raw outside of blocking shots. His fundamentally behind Carter on both ends, doesn't have a good feel for the game and lacks detail. Robinson strikes me as a dime-a-dozen rim running center. He could definitely be useful in the league. DeAndre Jordan fell to Round 2 as well, but I think he has a ways to go.

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Agreed as to Robinson's potential. Tyrus Thomas had oodles of athleticism, posting a near 40" max vertical and a 7'3" wingspan, but his shooting never improved and his BBall IQ was low. In comparison, Aldridge wasn't known for his athleticism, but was fundamentally sound. If Robinson does have the work ethic, he will probably be in the league for a long time. But what can you really do about BBall IQ? Like you said, there are question marks regarding Robinson's on-court awareness. Also the fact that he just picked up and left Western Kentucky indicates that he may not be a "high character" guy and at worst a diva

Work ethic and smarts are not something Carter appears to be lacking.

[kyrv]

Not sure if anyone else mentioned it, but this article correctly points out that drafting a guy like WCJ could end up being a very forward-thinking move since players like him could be a requirement to match up with with the next wave of dominant players at the 5 position:

https://www.theringer.com/nba/2018/6/18/17473842/wendell-carter-marvin-bagley-duke-nba-draft

In the age of positionless basketball, we so often focus on a big man’s ability to defend the perimeter, which is indeed critical. But they still need to excel at defending their counterparts. The Joel Embiid, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Anthony Davis types could someday be the bigs who need to be beaten to advance to the NBA Finals. The Hamptons Five Warriors won’t last forever.

What is he talking about, the age of position-less basketball does not exist, or at least not yet. Maybe never.

But I appreciate his figuring out that the Warriors won't be a dynasty forever. He scooped Woj.

The current rules favor perimeter players, they can more easily and more often impact the game on offense. Just look at how great Anthony Davis is on both ends and lesser perimeter players in the league are bigger difference makers for their team.

[erlim]

Watch on YouTube

Not that it matters too much, or at all; but some random youtube dude didn't give the Bulls that great of a draft grade.

[TheFinishSniper]

Not that it matters too much, or at all; but some random youtube dude didn't give the Bulls that great of a draft grade.

When "youtubers" become capable running and making decisions of NBA franchise it will be sad day for NBA. But then it will speak about quality of NBA also. And damn if that day is anywhere near us.

EDIT: I personally on this board didnt give Bulls more than C+ as grade for draft night. But not because of picks they made and players they took. But because they decided to play it safe and not trade up. Draft itself for us was A+ worthy for players available on spots we had and if we had core set in first place. But we dont have one.

[kingkirk]

Drafting MPJ at #7 and then taking Mitchell Robinson at #22 may have been the worst possible outcome given what we know right now about both players health. I don't see any justification at all for being upset that this outcome didn't eventuate.

[fleet]

I just hope he loses weight and stays mobile. If he grows an inch that'll be cool but I'm not pushing this. He's long enough.

[NikosTheGoat]

Not sure if anyone else mentioned it, but this article correctly points out that drafting a guy like WCJ could end up being a very forward-thinking move since players like him could be a requirement to match up with with the next wave of dominant players at the 5 position:

https://www.theringer.com/nba/2018/6/18/17473842/wendell-carter-marvin-bagley-duke-nba-draft

In the age of positionless basketball, we so often focus on a big man’s ability to defend the perimeter, which is indeed critical. But they still need to excel at defending their counterparts. The Joel Embiid, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Anthony Davis types could someday be the bigs who need to be beaten to advance to the NBA Finals. The Hamptons Five Warriors won’t last forever.

yo that's what you pay a guy the minimum to do, come off the bench and match up with dwight for like 15 minutes

[madvillian]

Seems like he's gone from being under rated to over rated in the last week here. I think he's a fine prospect. I don't really see any reason to argue he's a better prospect than the six guys that went off the board before him. 30 games into his career maybe but certainly not now.

Alright fine, after SL we can declare him a bust or future star.

[Truebiscuit]

I just hope he loses weight and stays mobile. If he grows an inch that'll be cool but I'm not pushing this. He's long enough.

He's around 250 right now, I like that weight for him.

[RememberLu]

Seems like every outlet that's graded this draft has given the Bulls an A or a B.

They like us, they really like us!

[Flopper]

Not sure if anyone else mentioned it, but this article correctly points out that drafting a guy like WCJ could end up being a very forward-thinking move since players like him could be a requirement to match up with with the next wave of dominant players at the 5 position:

https://www.theringer.com/nba/2018/6/18/17473842/wendell-carter-marvin-bagley-duke-nba-draft

In the age of positionless basketball, we so often focus on a big man’s ability to defend the perimeter, which is indeed critical. But they still need to excel at defending their counterparts. The Joel Embiid, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Anthony Davis types could someday be the bigs who need to be beaten to advance to the NBA Finals. The Hamptons Five Warriors won’t last forever.

yo that's what you pay a guy the minimum to do, come off the bench and match up with dwight for like 15 minutes

Not true. That minimum guy you try to guard Embiid with will have major weaknesses in his game that will get exploited in the playoffs, even if it's only 15 minutes.

[NikosTheGoat]

Seems like every outlet that's graded this draft has given the Bulls an A or a B.

They like us, they really like us!

they seem like fine picks for 7 and 22, what do i know?

but who wanted to draft 7th and 22nd in this draft?

[kulaz3000]

I just hope he loses weight and stays mobile. If he grows an inch that'll be cool but I'm not pushing this. He's long enough.

He's around 250 right now, I like that weight for him.

Are you sure? He doesn't even look like that he weighs even 250.

He looks really slim quite honestly. Maybe he has a lot of junk in his trunk and has thunder thighs, but in terms of his upper body, he really doesn't look like he has all that much bulk to him.

From the press conference photos, he looks more like in the high 230's at most. Or maybe he just has a high body fat percentage.

[Truebiscuit]

I just hope he loses weight and stays mobile. If he grows an inch that'll be cool but I'm not pushing this. He's long enough.

He's around 250 right now, I like that weight for him.

Are you sure? He doesn't even look like that he weighs even 250.

He looks really slim quite honestly. Maybe he has a lot of junk in his trunk and has thunder thighs, but in terms of his upper body, he really doesn't look like he has all that much bulk to him.

From the press conference photos, he looks more like in the high 230's at most. Or maybe he just has a high body fat percentage.

I thought the same thing, he looks really thin up top but this dude has tree trunks for legs... his thighs are freaking massive. Dude weighed 246 lbs his senior year in high school.

[BullsFTW]

He's around 250 right now, I like that weight for him.

Are you sure? He doesn't even look like that he weighs even 250.

He looks really slim quite honestly. Maybe he has a lot of junk in his trunk and has thunder thighs, but in terms of his upper body, he really doesn't look like he has all that much bulk to him.

From the press conference photos, he looks more like in the high 230's at most. Or maybe he just has a high body fat percentage.

I thought the same thing, he looks really thin up top but this dude has tree trunks for legs... his thighs are freaking massive. Dude weighed 246 lbs his senior year in high school.

Those legs are going to help him a lot