The Sixer Sense
Fansided

2018 NBA Mock Draft 8.0

By Christopher Kline

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: NBA Draft Prospect, Marvin Bagley poses for a portrait before the NBA Draft Lottery on May 15, 2018 at The Palmer House Hilton in Chicago, Illinois. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: NBA Draft Prospect, Marvin Bagley poses for a portrait before the NBA Draft Lottery on May 15, 2018 at The Palmer House Hilton in Chicago, Illinois. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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OMAHA, NE – MARCH 25: Wendell Carter, Jr. #34 of the Duke Blue Devils concentrates at the free throw line against the Kansas Jayhawks during the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Midwest Regional Final at CenturyLink Center on March 25, 2018 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
OMAHA, NE – MARCH 25: Wendell Carter, Jr. #34 of the Duke Blue Devils concentrates at the free throw line against the Kansas Jayhawks during the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Midwest Regional Final at CenturyLink Center on March 25, 2018 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /

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

The Bulls can add another long-term frontcourt piece next to Lauri Markkanen with this pick. Carter has seen his stock rise in recent weeks, showcasing an impressive blend of offensive skill and defensive upside at the five.

Carter boasts fluid mechanics as a shooter, giving the Bulls an opportunity to place five shooters on the floor at any given time. He’s also an excellent playmaker on the block, finding open shooters and cutters with well-timed passes. That’s where the Al Horford comparisons come from.

Defense wasn’t a strong suit for Carter at Duke, but part of that was systematic. He has the physical tools and basketball I.Q. needed to develop into a quality defender at the next level.