Rising Stars

Bulls.com

Bulls second year center Wendell Carter Jr. helped launch the All-Star weekend festivities Friday morning, though more as a spectator at the Rising Stars game practice at Wintrust Arena.

Carter is inactive due to a sprained ankle, though he told reporters his plan is to play when the Bulls resume their regular season schedule Thursday in the United Center against Charlotte.

Carter injured his ankle Jan. 6 against Dallas when he landed on the foot of Dwight Powell. Carter was averaging 11.7 points and a team high 9.9 rebounds and had played every game. He was among the league leaders with 17 double/doubles. It was estimated then he would miss four to six weeks. This Monday will be six weeks. Carter was replaced for the Friday night game with Zion Williamson.

"I'm definitely feeling a lot better," Carter said as the freshmen and sophomores prepared for practice. Continuously doing therapy. I want to be back the next game. That's what I'm shooting for right now. I don't know if that's going to happen; that's definitely what I'm shooting for."

The Bulls are hoping that Carter as well as Otto Porter Jr. and Lauri Markkanen will return to play during the next week or two and the Bulls can take a shot and make one final push for that long discussed playoff goal for this season. Carter still believes it's possible despite the season of setbacks and disappointments. Plus, Carter said after a shaky start he's on board with coach Jim Boylen.

"Jim is definitely a different coach than from what I've had," Carter said in response to a media question. "He shows a lot of passion. He speaks what's on his mind. At first we didn't get along as well as I would have thought. But as I got to know him and the fact he just wants us to be great and he really cares for us and wants us to play well, I love him now. He's one of my favorite coaches I've had. I'm looking forward to growing with him in the years to come.

"The fact he was coming in late at night; he'd come in and help me," Carter explained. "He'd come and rebound for me. He showed he really cared; that's something I admire and I respect the fact he does that.

"I feel we have to get healthy," Carter added about the priority. "Just the fact I haven't been healthy again (missing the last three months of 2018-19 with a thumb fracture). It kind of sucks I wasn't able to help my team as much (again). I feel like the health aspect is the most important right now and once we get healthy we can evaluate what we need to work on. I see a (playoff) possibility for this year. I feel once I come back and am able to play for my team I feel we can win enough games to get into the playoffs. That's my mind set."

Carter also is joining several of his teammates, former Bulls and team ambassadors as unofficial hosts for the All-Star weekend at a plethora of league sponsored events.

"This is exciting," said Carter. "Seeing a lot of famous people, a lot of celebrities, a lot of All-Stars walking around the city. It sends a rush. At the same time, these are people I've played against night in and night out. I am also excited to enjoy the festivities for the weekend and see everyone in my town. I definitely know all the good food spots, all the good shopping centers, so they have to come and ask me.

"It feels good knowing I was recognized as one of the best second year players in the league (even though I cannot play)," Carter said. "It's disappointing I'm not able to run around with my peers out there. At the same time I get the recognition for my play, so I'll take that and keep moving. I'm excited for (the game) tonight; ready to get it going. It's also an All Star game (Sunday) and that's something I'm shooting for.

"I definitely think I'm on the right path to becoming an All-Star," the 6-9 center said. "When? I'm not sure. But I feel like the pace I'm going and my respect for the game, the way I play and how effective I am when I play, I feel I'm on a pretty good path to making it as an All Star. (By) just out working everybody. The only way for you to become an All-Star (there is) talent, of course, but outworking and showcasing every night and being consistent and showing the league no matter who you are playing against you are going to play the same. I feel that separates a good player from an All-Star."

And everyone knows you never can have enough of those.

The Bulls don't officially have one yet on the roster, though Zach LaVine has made a strong case. So is Wendell working the parties for converts?

"It can't be the weather, as you'll seen," Carter laughed about a Chicago selling point. "Probably the food. I've always said we've probably got the best food of all the cities. I think it's pretty evident (that) everybody kind of sees we're in a building stage. I feel like we're at a really good place, but we haven't been able to be healthy for a long stretch of games. (I believe) everybody kind of sees the potential in us. They know when we are fully healthy and fully active we are pretty hard to beat."

That's certainly something the Bulls have yet to prove, but at least they aren't discouraged.

"Second half of the season just try to go out and pick up where I left off from," said Carter. "That's an individual goal. As a team goal, just help my team bring together as many wins as possible and make a playoff push. A focus of mine is being more aggressive on the offensive end. That's something I want to showcase more, my passing ability and IQ for the game, the coach allowing me to make the right decisions, putting the ball in my hand (more). I feel I'm a pretty good shooter; I just haven't asserted myself as much when it comes to taking the three-point shots. I want to get up two or three three point shots a game; that's a comfort zone for me. I'm pretty confident. I know I can make them. I have to shoot more of them and more will go in."

And is there a Saturday Night Surprise to come?

"There are a lot of great shooters in the (three-point contest)," Carter acknowledged. "But under pressure he (LaVine) knows how to make a lot of threes; I think he's going to win it. When I found out about the dunk contest in Chicago I told him, ‘You've got to get in it.' l've seen him dunk in practice. It's crazy. Hopefully, he'll make a surprise appearance."

Friday was the 13th annual All-Star NBA Cares NBA service day when players and team and league officials volunteer for hands-on service projects, sorting and packing food donations and school supplies that are distributed to support students and families across Chicago neighborhoods. Former Bull Ron Harper was scheduled among the volunteers along with NBA commissioner Adam Silver.

Cuurent and former Bulls and Bulls staff and employees were spread out around Chicago for the weekend. LaVine, who will participate in the long distance shootout Saturday night in the United Center, was co-host of an e-sports video game tournament Friday. He and Carter participated in multiple electronic media interviews Thursday along with all the principal participants for the game and contests.

Lauri Markkanen helped host the Basketball Without Borders camp Friday at Quest Multisport....Cristiano Felicio is to work the camp Sunday morning...former Bulls Horace Grant, Ron Harper and Will Perdue were among NBA players to meet patients Thursday at Lurie Children's Hospital...former Bull Grant and Toni Kukoc were to join players for the Special Olympics game prior to the celebrity game Friday night...Coby White, former Windy City Bull Spencer Dinwiddie, former Bull Craig Hodges and Bulls ambassadors Cliff Levington and Mickey Johnson participated Friday in clinics for junior NBA Day...For the Making an Impact and Advancing Equality forums, Bulls assistant coach Karen Stack-Umlauf is scheduled Saturday for a panel discussion on Female Leaders Impacting Sports Culture and Bulls Marketing Vice-President Susan Goodenow will be part of the Innovative Partnerships panel.

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Wendell Carter Jr. feels he's on the right path to becoming a future All-Star

childukich

The NBA announced today that Bulls center Wendell Carter Jr. was named to the U.S. Team for the 2020 NBA Rising Stars in Chicago, as selected by NBA assistant coaches. However, Pelicans forward Zion Williamson has been selected by the NBA to join the U.S. Team, replacing the injured Carter, who has not played for the Bulls since sustaining a sprained right ankle on Jan. 6. Carter is not expected to return to game action until after the All-Star break.

Carter, a 20-year-old sophomore player, was the seventh-overall selection of the 2018 NBA Draft out of Duke. He played in 44 games his rookie year due to a thumb injury, and a right ankle sprain has caused him to lose 13 games this season. Through the 37 games he has played in 2019-20, however, he's averaging 11.7 points, 9.9 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game. Carter's rebounding average is the highest among all qualified first- and second-year players in the NBA, and his 17 double-doubles this season are third-most. He is the fourth player in Bulls history to post 20 double-doubles within 70 career games. Carter owns 217 career offensive rebounds, and he became the fourth-fastest Bull to get to 200 offensive boards in his career, reaching that mark through 78 career contests.

This is the third straight season and fourth in the last five in which the Bulls have had at least one player named to this event. The 26th Rising Stars will pit 10 first- and second-year NBA players from the United States against 10 first- and second-year NBA players from around the world in the league's annual showcase of premier young talent during NBA All-Star. Rising Stars will air live at 9 p.m. ET on TNT and ESPN Radio in the United States. Tickets are available at NBAEvents.com.

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Wendell Carter Jr. selected to 2020 Rising Stars roster

Lauri Markkanen Friday will play in his second All-Star Weekend Rising Stars game that is a glimpse of the freshmen and sophomores a vote of league assistant coaches believe will carry the NBA into the next decade.

Philadelphia's Ben Simmons will be there along with Utah's Donovan Mitchell and Dallas' celebrated rookie Luka Doncic, the trio the NBA featured when announcing the teams of U.S. players to face off against World players.

That Markkanen was selected is impressive because he missed the first two months of the season injured, and some of the rookies from last season didn't get a return invite.

"I didn't start playing for getting onto this team," Markkanen said this week. "It's nice to see that people respect and wanted me into that game. I'm honored, excited to go there again. It means a lot to me, for sure, to be a second time included on that team. I didn't start the way I wanted to coming off an injury, so I've been glad just to be back on the court and do what I do."

What Markkanen does has been quietly impressive now that he finally has regained his health, averaging 25.3 points and 12.5 rebounds the last six games, double-doubles in eight of the last nine games (30 points and nine rebounds in the other) and an impressive run averaging 21.4 points and 11.6 rebounds for more than a month. He is averaging 18.5 points and 8.8 rebounds overall.

Little known is that the second-year seven footer from Finland was so anxious to return, he admitted he wasn't close to full health Dec. 1 when he rammed his way back into the Bulls lineup. The injuries were decimating the Bulls season, and he couldn't stand it.

"I could have waited longer," Markkanen acknowledged about his uncertain return with three single digit scoring games in his first nine. "If I wanted to be 100 percent, I probably would have been coming back now. I knew there was nothing that could get hurt again. I was cleared to go. It didn't feel right yet. But I felt the way to get it back quicker was to play.

"I knew I would kind of be off and be a little rusty," Markkanen admitted. "So I wanted to get it out of the way then. I was medically cleared to go, so playing was the way. I'm still getting there. I'm not nearly as strong as I was before the year. I feel like me last year at this point (strength wise), which is unfortunate. But it will get back. I know I will get the strength back quicker because I once had it, so it's easier to get it back. I wouldn't say I'm as weak as I was last year; I didn't go all the way back, obviously. But I felt pretty good going into the season and raring to go."

Markkanen has been going strong, his best run in his short NBA career despite the setback in strength and muscle definition. Which can get a player overlooked, as it often has with Markkanen. Playing for a team with a losing record rarely on national TV adds to the camouflaged stardom.

Which hardly causes a ripple in Markkanen's serene ocean of confidence.

He's much more conversant than he was last year as the shy, uncertain rookie. His subtle humor often surfaces with a grin and a nuance. You have to listen carefully, like when he mentions about having to Finnish better or being stitious from the TV show instead of superstitious, or pulling out his draft day Timberwolves suit and Finland flag to just remind Minnesota.

The latter, by the way, was a little bit of Twitter fun, which Markkanen isn't having much of these days and why he didn't really know whom the NBA was celebrating or featuring for the Rising Stars game.

Lauri Markkanen is unusual in many ways, and not just being a potential 20/10 star for the Bulls, a graceful seven footer who effortlessly shoots three pointers and is working his way toward being the ultimate NBA mismatch with his size, shooting and strength to be.

Though Markkanen is perhaps more unusual among the potential NBA stars—the Gens X, Ys and Zs everywhere—for his exodus from social media to concentrate on two priorities, basketball and family.

"I would say other people would say my life is boring, but it is not for me," says Markkanen. "I like it and I love to be around them (wife and son). After we are done, I go home and do whatever I can to help her. I have a lot of respect for her for taking care of him all day long, and especially when we travel. Travel is part of it, so she understands and I understand this is what I have to do and what I want to do."

Few of the kids who come into the NBA are married, though Markkanen's had a long-term relationship back to high school.

"I'd been knowing her long time; even in middle school I talked to her a couple times and in high school we started dating," Markkanen said about his wife, Verna. "We had this long distance relationship; last year was our first year together.

"So I really don't pay much attention to what it says in the media, though not because of anything that was said. I am off media, so I really don't know what's going on," said Markkanen.

We knew he was foreign, but this foreign?

A 21-year-old not on his phone all day? Good luck walking into an NBA locker room, or just about any room these days, and seeing someone with their eyes actually up. It's perhaps one reason Markkanen is first for interviews after Bulls games. Nothing to see here on a phone.

"I know now it's not a big deal what is happening on Twitter and stuff like that, so I deleted the apps," Markkanen revealed to imagined gasps. "What we went through this season was pretty tough, losing, the coaching change, what was being said. But the main reason was I saw I happened to be on Twitter at home and even with my son there, I was on my phone. So I deleted all that so I could be with him. So he doesn't grow up watching me on my phone.

"I didn't grow up with my parents watching the phone and not talking to me because they were locked on the phone," said Markkanen. "I want to be with him and have a close relationship with him. But it was like automatic: Lunch table, pull out my phone and kind of know everything. And then I started thinking there's really nothing important going on. When you're there it feels like it is important, but when you put your phone away you think, ‘What did I accomplish the last 10 minutes? I didn't get any new real information. Maybe I saw what kind of shoes someone wore or what kind of outfit someone wore.' Which I really don't care about.

"I feel much more relaxed not staying in there and knowing what's going on," Markkanen admitted. "I don't judge anybody; there's nothing wrong if it's good for them. I set up on my iPhone this screen time and how many times you pick up your phone in a hour. I got notifications I was picking it up six times per hour, spending like five and a half hours on and I didn't accomplish anything.

"I've always had so much fun with basketball. It was everything," said Markkanen. "But when I came in my first year and I kind of struggled (averaging about 14 points the first half of last season, missing some games with back spasms), I'd go home being all sad about it because it was supposed to be fun. But it was my job. When my son was born, it kind of divided that. Bad game, but then when I closed the door of the locker room, it was a bad day at work and now I am with my family and everything is good; that is a difference for me and it's been a difference this year. Helped me.

"I just go home and play with him," Markkanen says. "He's walking around now, says some words. We speak Finnish at home, so he will be fortunate to know two languages, most likely with no accent. He goes to school here and his friends speak English. We'll teach him a third one. I know l'm anxious to learn a third, maybe Spanish."

Perhaps German, also, Markkanen finally getting an opportunity to be up close and personal with the NBA player many often liken him to—and the Bulls can only hope—Dirk Nowitzki. The future Hall of Famer who is likely to retire after this season is honorary coach for the World Team.

Markkanen has tired of the frequent comparisons, but says he's excited to play for Dirk.

"I definitely looked up to him," Markkanen said. "I'm honored to be in the game and that he's coaching is surreal to me. Hopefully he gives me some playing time and I am not on the bench."

This isn't a man who is going to be overlooked or disregarded no matter the current trends or favorites.

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Lauri Markkanen honored and excited to be back at Rising Stars Game

Sam Smith

Lauri Markkanen Tuesday in the Bulls 122-117 loss to the Brooklyn Nets again demonstrated his legitimacy as an NBA rising star with a career high 19 rebounds.

The NBA officially agreed a few hours earlier in announcing that Markkanen would be among 20 freshmen and sophomore NBA players selected to compete in the annual Rising Stars challenge during All-Star weekend. The Friday night game features the top first and second year players, and it is the second consecutive appearance for Markkanen.

The format of rookies vs sophomores changed in 2015 to feature teams of U.S. players competing against a team of international players. Last year, Markkanen came off the bench for the victorious World team and had 18 points on seven of 11 shooting and six rebounds. Kris Dunn played for the US team last year. Markkanen was runner up last year in the Skills Challenge to former Bull Spencer Dinwiddie. Markkanen is only competing in the game this year.

"It was fun last year, so I am excited about it," Markkanen said Tuesday. "I feel honored to take part in that game; excited to get to play with a couple of new guys I haven't played with before. Too bad I can't play against anyone like I did last year against Kris Dunn."

"Obviously in LA last year (was enjoyable)," Markkanen said. "I guess this time I'm not doing anything Saturday night, so one day to recover and get ready for the season. I was just trying to have fun last year, enjoy the experience and that's what I will try to do again. Obviously, the game is important and we are trying to win, but the most important part is for everybody to have fun."

Bulls coach Jim Boylen said the All-Star weekend experience also can serve as motivation.

"I'm very happy for Lauri," Boylen said. "He has the respect of the league. It's awesome for him, awesome for the Bulls. Anytime a guy can go to the All-Star game and be part of it, it's a learning moment and something you go to and realize, ‘I'd like to be one of these guys someday on the big team.' So it's really good."

But Boylen also did initiate the first controversy for the 68th All-Star game weekend in condemning the omission of rookie Wendell Carter Jr. for the Rising Stars game. The Bulls are confident Carter is a rising star without the game endorsement, and Carter has been among the best rookies this season, ranking in the top 10 among rookies in scoring, rebounding and blocks, top five in the latter two categories. But Carter now is out for the season after suffering a thumb injury, which might have persuaded league officials in the voting which is among assistant coaches to leave him off the eight-player U.S. team.

"I am disappointed Wendell didn't make it," Boylen said after the game with the Nets. "To me, even with the injury, he should be on that team. I don't understand it. He should be going to that game, at least being a part of it, although in a cast. You can still vote him in. He played 44 games as a starter; as a 19-year-old starter. I am disappointed in it; I don't really understand that."

Carter is traveling with the Bulls on this three-game trip with the team headed for Miami and Charlotte.

He seemed bemused when told Boylen was upset about his exclusion

"Absolutely, I feel I deserved it," said Carter, who was averaging 10.3 points and seven rebounds when hurt. "It's not so much something I am mad about it. It would have been cool being in it. But I am not in it, so move on. It's all good. Just make sure I don't get hurt again next year.

"It's an all star game," Carter said with a smile. "Not stressing it at all; we have bigger problems."

SEE PHOTOS FROM WENDELL CARTER JR'S ROOKIE SEASON

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Lauri Markkanen selected for Rising Stars challenge during All-Star weekend

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All-Star weekend always is educational. Like you never knew people could dress like that. But you also learn about the people you know and thought you knew, but with this young Bulls team we really don't know too much about them at all.

So Friday as the first and second year prodigies prepared for the Rising Stars game later that night, we learned that Kris Dunn used to have a crush on Beyonce (OK, that doesn't make him unique) and his favorite basketball movie is the Sebastian Telfair story. No, didn't see that one coming.

You never much see a lot of the questions coming in the NBA jr. version of Super Bowl media day.

The big guys for the Sunday NBA All-Star game have their open media session, this year for the first time a public event like for the Super Bowl, pushed to Saturday. So the freshmen and sophomores sat for questions Friday in the Los Angeles Convention Center. No, they couldn't get anyone to pay to watch that one.

So Dunn and Lauri Markkanen, facing off on competing teams Friday night, plumbed the depths of their patience to consider some of the curiosities of the worldwide media.

Dunn seemed more dispassionate about the game.

"Nothing too much, friendly competition," said Dunn. "For myself, go out and have fun."

Markannen wasn't so nonchalant. "Looking for a win against Kris so I'll get the bragging rights," he said. "Coming for the win."

Markkanen was asked his choice for Rookie of the Year assuming he were ineligible. Markkanen said the Jazz' Donovan Mitchell. Dunn was politically correct, but with a good cause for Markkanen.

"He threw down 38 (33 actually) in Madison Square Garden," said Dunn. "Had eight threes that game; you're not finding too many people who'll do that. Lauri to be a rookie with so much confidence to play big time games, especially in Madison Square Garden. I keep bringing that game up, but you don't see that from rookies."

Dunn said he most admires guards like Rajon Rondo and Chris Paul.

"I heard I was going to Chicago. It was an unbelievable feeling. I got to put the Bulls jersey on, It was one of the best days of my life."

"Nobody in the league mentors me," Dunn said. "I'm a big Rondo fan because he's a true point guard, Chris Paul because he's a true point guard. I like how he leads the team, how they get guys involved and are able to be in attack mode at the same time."

Dunn said he likes Donovan Mitchell or Dennis Smith Jr for the dunk contest win and James Harden for league MVP. The first Rising Star player to make the All-Star game? Dunn was quick to say Markkanen.

For his part, Markkanen didn't bite, but he said a goal was to be an All-Star and in the three-point shooting contest when the All-Star game is in Chicago in 2020.

"Deep dish pizza," said Dunn. "Chicago is crazy deep dish." Meat lover for him, he said.

Dunn said his all time favorite film was Kevin Hart's Ride Along.

Dunn said being dunked on is worse than being crossed over because you can fake slipping on a cross over. "Dunk you're right there in the picture," he said.

Favorite emoji? Yes, they're getting asked that. Dunn said the 100 sign. Versatility, he explained. Yes, he also was asked for an explanation. Deep, deep depth.

Markkanen did about a quarter of his interviews in Finnish, so perhaps the best stuff was then. But he was more relaxed an open than probably anytime since he came to the Bulls. Though his confidence remained the same as he said, carefully, none of this surprised him because he does expect big things from himself.

He only got the "are you like Dirk" question three times and was particularly patient and laughing about it. He also was quick to correct an observation about Finland sports that it's "rally drivers and ski jumpers." Hockey country, he said.

Markkanen said he did miss Nikola Mirotic, who was something of a guide for him, though Markkanen said Robin Lopez also has been in that role.

"Like Niko, he's helped me a ton," said Markkanen. "He's helped me in the rough stretches, what I need to do to improve and I ask him advice for my haircut."

Markkanen went with Smith for the dunk contest and said he loves that Bulls jersey.

"Unreal draft night," Markkanen said. "I heard I was going to Chicago. It was an unbelievable feeling. I got to put the Bulls jersey on, It was one of the best days of my life."

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Dunn and Markkanen look for bragging rights during tonight's Rising Stars game

The Bulls didn’t expect to have any All-Stars this season, and they don’t for the game in Los Angeles Feb. 18. The Bulls hoped to have at least one rising star in this redevelopment transition season. They have two, according to the NBA.

Bulls rookie Lauri Markkanen and second year point guard Kris Dunn, both part of the Jimmy Butler trade, Wednesday were selected among the 20 players to compete in the Rising Stars Challenge, which the NBA calls its “annual showcase of premier young talent.”

“I didn't know what to expect coming in. So it means a lot. Like two weeks ago, I thought maybe I can be part of my first All-Star weekend. It means a lot. Maybe I can guard Kris,” Markkanen said before the Bulls lost in Philadelphia.

Dunn was unavailable for comment since he remains in the league’s concussion analysis after his fall last week against Golden State. He missed his third game, all on the road.

The Rising Stars game is played Friday night of All-Star weekend with the Saturday night shooting and slam dunk contests and the Sunday night All-Star game. Former Bull Jimmy Butler will be a reserve for the Western Conference team. In the Rising Stars game, the teams are divided between U.S. players and international players.

“It's awesome he's on the other team,” said Markkanen. “We can play against each other. Yeah, we're gonna get the win.

Markkanen set an NBA record for fastest to reach 100 threes while Dunn ranks among the NBA league leaders in steals.

The last Bull to play in the game was Nikola Mirotic in 2015 and 2016 since it is for first and second year players. Previous Bulls who have played include Derrick Rose, Taj Gibson, Ben Gordon, Andres Nocioni, Luol Deng, Kirk Hinrich, Jay Williams, Tyson Chandler, Marcus Fizer, Khalid El-Amin, Elton Brand and Toni Kukoc, the latter in the first game in 1994.

“It’s really exciting for both of those guys,” said Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg. “Both have had great years. Both have progressively gotten better. It will be fun to see them compete against each other.

“Kris,” said Hoiberg, “really evolving into a closer of this team. With Lauri, the true fan has a true appreciation for everything he does on the basketball floor. I think he’s one of the more versatile players, especially as a seven-footer. A guy that can score from all over the floor. You look at that game that he had in the Garden, in the world’s most famous arena he just goes out and has eight threes, an absolute highlight reel dunk. He continues to show every time he steps on the floor more and more things. We all think here he’s going to be a special, special player.’’

It’s a growing consensus around the NBA about a player who was highly regarded as the No. 7 overall selection in last June’s NBA draft. The Bulls obtained that draft pick in the Butler trade along with Dunn and Zach LaVine for Butler and the Bulls’ No. 16 selection. Minnesota used it for Justin Patton of Creighton. He’s been injured this season.

So what if that NBA draft were today? How would it look based on what we’ve seen the first half of the NBA season? It also suggests the conventional wisdom in June is not quite the reality of January.

The 76ers Ben Simmons is almost certain to be the 2018 Rookie of the Year. But he was drafted in 2016 and sat out injured in 2016-17. Thus he qualifies this season as a rookie as does the Clippers’ 30-year-old Milos Teodosic, who has been a professional in Europe.

Here’s one view of how the 2017 NBA draft lottery portion would look like if done today:

1. Donovan Mitchell, Utah Jazz. Selected No. 13 by Denver and traded to Utah. He’s easily the scoring leader among rookies, though he does take a lot of shots. He’s proven a competent three-point shooter while being an exceptional athlete and closer who quickly has become the offensive leader of the team.

2. Lauri Markkanen, Bulls. Selected No 7. The seven footer from Finland has been much more than the expected three-point shooter with an ambitious all around game and physical play at the basket. He’s top five among rookies in scoring, three-point shooting and rebounding. His potential is bringing comparisons to the best ever from Europe.

3. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics. Selected No. 3. They got the right guy. The pre-draft consensus was they should have taken Josh Jackson, who went No. 4 to Phoenix. Previously, they traded the rights to the No. 1 pick to the 76ers, who selected Markelle Fultz. He’s been injured all season. Tatum has been the best rookie three-point shooter by far and a good starting fit for the East’s best team.

4. Dennis Smith Jr., Dallas Mavericks. Selected No. 8. He’s had some knee problems, which seem minor, though he had ACL surgery in high school. He’s shown that great athletic ability, better than anticipated passing and a fierce nature to rank in the top five in rookies in scoring and assists.

5. De’Aaron Fox, Sacramento Kings. Selected No. 5. Another player who comes in as expected. He’s been as advertised, a tough competitor with the ability to penetrate. Though not a good shooter. The Kings have been sitting veterans to give him more opportunity as he’s a top 10 rookie in scoring and top five in assists.

6. Kyle Kuzma, Los Angeles Lakers. Selected No. 27. He’s been the steal of this year’s draft, Magic Johnson’s draft coup if not for all the issues and attention with Lonzo Ball. He’s been a scoring machine for the Lakers, top three among rookies with toughness and developing playmaking.

7. John Collins, Atlanta Hawks. Selected No. 19. He’s another who shows the depth of every draft. He’s an inside player, quick around the basket as a rim protector and shot blocker who in limited time still is among the top 10 rookie scorers.

8. Lonzo Ball, Los Angeles Lakers. Selected No. 2. He is pretty good, but his play, obviously, has been overshadowed by his disruptive dad. Some teams were worried about that and didn’t have him as high as the Lakers last June. He does push the ball, but doesn’t penetrate as much as his impressive assist numbers indicate because the Lakers play so fast. He trails only Simmons among rookies in assists.

9. Josh Jackson, Phoenix Suns. Selected No. 4. He was even at the top of some teams’ draft boards. He’s been a bit of a disappointment, though still projects highly with his athletic ability. Hasn’t shot well and plays a bit out of control with too much complaining for a rookie.

10. OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors. Selected No. 23. He was one of those guys teams were concerned about because of ACL surgery in college. He was regarded as a defensive prospect, but came into the NBA with the ability to shoot and a top five in three-point shooting among rookies while maintaining that defensive intensity.

11. Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat. Selected No. 14. The sort of physical big man the Heat like. There’s not much offensive game, but powerful around the basket.

12. Frank Ntilikina, New York Knicks. Selected No. 8. He’s been brought along slowly, but has demonstrated quickness, ranking among rookie leaders in steals and top 10 in assists. More on potential for now to run a team, though needs to improve his shot.

13. Luke Kennard, Detroit Pistons. Selected No. 12. He’s got a wonderful shooting stroke with his southpaw game, though his playing time has been limited in the often dysfunctional Pistons backcourt. Shooting 44 percent on threes.

14. Jonathan Isaac, Orlando Magic. Selected No. 6. He’s been out much of the season with ankle problems. But the projections still remain good that he could be a top talent.

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Two of Our Young Bulls Recognized by NBA as Rising Stars

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