CHICAGO _ Elton Brand. Jay Williams. Luol Deng. Chris Duhon. Carlos Boozer. Mike Dunleavy.
The Bulls have employed so many former Duke stars over the years that the upset would be if they didn't have interest in Wendell Carter Jr., who just happens to possess the game that fits executive vice president John Paxson's current buzzword _ "versatility" _ and projects to fit well in today's NBA.
Indeed, Carter interviewed with Bulls' brass this week at the NBA draft combine.
"I know they want to get up and down the court more," Carter said. "The NBA game is definitely changing. Our era, there are no more true centers anymore. They want to have people who are versatile and can shoot from the outside, can guard the perimeter. That's something I've been working on."
Carter is a 6-foot-10 big man who has drawn draft comps to Celtics All-Star Al Horford and projects to be on the board when the Bulls use their No. 7 pick at the June 21 NBA draft. Like Villanova small forward Mikal Bridges, who also is expected to be available, he fits the typical draft profile for the Paxson-Gar Forman management regime.
One subject Carter aced? Lauri Markkanen.
"Great player," Carter said. "I was just thinking me and him playing together on the court would be definitely a killer."
Two things stood out from Carter's media session Friday at Quest Multisport: He's both a team player in that he will adjust his role to help try to win. But he's also very excited for his game to expand at the NBA level.
To wit: Here's his answer when asked about how the unexpected eligibility of Marvin Bagley III, who starred in his lone season at Duke and is projected to be a top-four pick.
"Bagley is a phenomenal player. He came into college basketball and did what he was supposed to do," Carter said. "My role changed a little bit. But I'm a winner. Whatever situation I come into, I automatically buy in. The coaches just want to win. And I want to win too. So whatever they ask me to do, if it's just rebounding and blocking shots and setting good picks, I'm willing to do that just to win."
That's four "win" and zero statistical mentions in one answer. For the record, Carter averaged 13.5 points and 9.1 rebounds to Bagley's 21 points and 11.1 rebounds in their lone shared season with the Blue Devils.
Every Carter answer suggested he can do more.
"For the most part, I think college does put a limitation on a lot of players," he said. "The NBA, I think that's more my realm where I can show what I can do. I'm a competitor, especially on the defensive end. I've been working on my lateral quickness so I can guard guards in pick-and-roll actions. On the offensive end, I didn't get to show much of it at Duke. But I think I'm pretty versatile in (that) I can bring the ball up the court. I'm able to shoot it from deep and from all three levels."
Teammate Grayson Allen agreed.
"He has a really good basketball IQ and a great feel for the game. He's one of the most versatile guys I've played with," Allen said. "He can do a lot with his strength and post scoring. But when we played (North Carolina), he trailed a ball screen and shot a 3. That speaks to how he can fit in multiple spots on the court."
Bridges, who didn't participate in the combine, offers defensive versatility from the wing. His "D-and-3" ability projects to fit seamlessly into Paxson's publicly stated largest team need.
"In the locker room, he's a fun-loving guy. On the court, he's all serious business," teammate Donte DiVincenzo said. "He's more of a guy who leads by example. And guys follow suit."
Added Omari Spellman, another teammate: "He always has my back, on and off the court. He's definitely somebody you want on your side. He shoots, defends and competes. I don't think he has a weakness. He's a complete basketball player."
