Los Angeles Lakers: Complete 2018 NBA Draft first round grades

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 21: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks during the 2018 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 21, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Mike Lawrie/Getty Images) /

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Los Angeles Lakers: Complete 2018 NBA Draft first round grades

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24. . Center. Duke. Wendell Carter Jr.. 7. player

With the seventh overall pick, the Chicago Bulls made a very safe and solid choice with the selection of Wendell Carter Jr. from Duke. Even though he might have been in the shadow of Marvin Bagley for much of the season, Carter was able to have a strong season as well and prove what he could do.

Carter certainly has the size to be a strong post presence right away in the NBA, as he is 6’10”, 250lbs, and has a nice wingspan. In addition to having the size to be a true center in the NBA, Carter also can shoot the ball from beyond the arc, which is a big bonus. At Duke, Carter shot 41.3% from three-point range.

Compared to his teammate Bagley, Carter is a much better defender, as he averaged 2.1 blocks per game. Being taken by the Bulls means that Carter will be paired up with Lauri Markkanen, which is a very nice pairing on paper. Carter showed that he could play alongside Bagley in college, but he and Markkanen fit a bit better with Markkanen’s style of play.

Overall, this was a solid pick by the Bulls, as their frontcourt looks like it will be set for years to come.

Grade: B+

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