Summer League 2018

Bulls.com

The Bulls 2018 version of summer camp ended Saturday with the Bulls 72-66 loss to the Detroit Pistons in the playoff round of the Las Vegas Summer League.

It was a week of fun activities, and the kids will take with them their memories.

Like the way Wendell Carter Jr. almost mastered arts and crafts with the subtle artistry of his mature game and the crafty way even in a poor shooting game Saturday at one for eight he continued to help the team with his summer high 16 rebounds.

There was the continuing archery sessions for Antonio Blakeney, who again hit enough targets to lead the Bulls with 24 points and three of seven three pointers. Though Blakeney shot eight of 22.

There was Chandler Hutchison’s work on his basketball lanyard as he occasionally seemed to tie himself into a knot the way he searched for where he could excel. And, of course, Ryan Arcidiacono’s scavenger hunt as he regularly discovered openings to pass to teammates and Donte Ingram anxiously trying to hang on to that zip line to the NBA.

And now that’s it’s time to return home, perhaps a chance to ask for s’more on the way to training camp in September.

“Solid, I’d just say solid,” Carter answered in response to a question about his summer games. “We didn’t win the championship, so I’m not satisfied. This is the highest level, so I’m just grateful to be here. I am going to do what I have to do and play as hard as I can to try to win every game.”

The Bulls closed 2-3 with a poor shooting game, 32 percent overall and 10 of 33 on threes. They grabbed an early 18-point lead, but were overcome late and a closing rally came up short.

Since the summer features the best of the basketball kids, here’s a report card look at the Bulls Summer League team.

Wendell Carter Jr: He was one of the stars of the Summer League, something of a surprise as the No. 7 overall draft pick. He impressed team officials and scouts league wide with his sophisticated play while still teenager, his toughness and defensive instincts. ESPN commentators raved about his play. He averaged 15 points, 9.4 rebounds and almost three blocks per game. Grade: A

Chandler Hutchison: He improved as the week went on, averaging 11 points and seven rebounds. He was hesitant at times to shoot. He did show nice passing and rebounding instincts and when he had the ball on the fast break was impressive gaining ground. He had difficulty finishing and often didn’t go to the basket strong. Grade: C+

Antonio Blakeney: The quantity star of the team, Blakeney averaged a team most 21 points per game and 25 if his one poor game is eliminated. He continued to show an uncanny ability to get off shots and score, though often he isn’t efficient. He’s improved his passing, but doesn’t move much once he passes. He’s played well enough to be on an NBA roster. Grade: B

Ryan Arcidiacono: The overachiever from Villanova who seemed headed to Europe after being undrafted showed a consistent ability to run an offense. His defensive tenacity often frustrated more highly regarded players. He, too, looks like he should be on an NBA roster. He often showed a good shooting stroke, but too often passed up good shots to find a teammate. Grade: B

Donte Ingram: The local Chicago favorite from the Loyola tournament run worked hard, but he didn’t shoot well. He averaged about five rebounds with his hustle, but at times seemed a bit slow. He does look like he has a chance for one of the two-way contracts with the G-league. Grade: C-.

Among the reserves for the Bulls team, burly Jarnell Stokes scored nicely inside and Kaiser Gates showed some shooting touch. Melo Trimble also demonstrated some interesting guard skills.

So it’s another Duke player for the Bulls with the signing of the Bucks’ Jabari Parker. Duke’s Carter said he was pleased to see Parker as a teammate.

“Very excited,” Carter said after the game. “l knew they were flirting with him. Knowing Jabari, I knew it was something he was very excited to do; now that’s he’s a part off the team I’m very excited. He’s a great person off the court and I know that’s going to translate onto the court.”

That’s right, kids, lights out for now. Everyone can dream.

bulls-report-card-2018-nba-summer-league

Bulls report card: 2018 NBA Summer League

nbaplatformservices

Robin Lopez & Wendell Carter Jr. work out in Vegas

robin-lopez-wendell-carter-jr-work-out-in-vegas

Sam Smith

The Bulls’ kids Wednesday had some fun in Las Vegas. This time again on the basketball court.

Well, we’re not sure what they are doing otherwise, but after two inconsistent performances and losses, the Bulls rebounded — though mostly shot — to a 95-83 victory over the Dallas Mavericks.

The Bulls next play Saturday against the Detroit Pistons (3 p.m. CT) in the winner’s bracket of the tournament playoff that began Wednesday.

The Bulls were led again by Antonio Blakeney, who also had his most efficient game of the week with 28 points in seven of 13 shooting with four of eight threes. Blakeney leads the Bulls Summer League group in scoring at 20.3 per game. If not for his five-point game on two of 13 shooting in the second game, he would be the leading scorer in the tournament. He was on a two-way G-league contract last season, but he seems likely with his continued excellent scoring to earn a place on the Bulls roster for this season.

Rookie sensation Wendell Carter Jr. had yet another impressive game with 19 points on nine of 11 shooting and nine rebounds. Loyola’s Donte Ingram had his best game, scoring 13 points on three of six threes as the Bulls dominated at the three point line, making 15 of 33 after erratic long distance shooting in the first three games.

And fellow first round pick Chandler Hutchison finally seemed to relax and break out with 16 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and three steals. The No. 22 pick in the first round had been rebounding and passing well, but seemed somewhat reluctant to shoot after a good first game. But Hutchison was three of seven on threes against Dallas.

“I think at this level and being summer league you have to take advantage and shoot,” Hutchison admitted. “I just wanted to rebound the ball and when I got an open look shoot the ball. Chicago, why they brought me in was my ability to rebound and also start the break offensively. I’ve had that in my game and it’s something that sets me apart.

“Now, I’m getting used to a role where I have to hit guys and rebound,” Hutchison added about the increased physical play after college at Boise State. “Finding a balance and going up and using my athleticism and also (being physical with) guys.”

The Bulls were dominant after a slow first quarter in which the Mavericks without rookie Luka Doncic, who is skipping Summer League after playing in Europe, led 28-15. The Bulls turned the game around with a bombastic second quarter to take a 42-40 halftime lead. The Bulls then extended the lead throughout the second half.

Meanwhile, Carter continues to be the talk of the summer on the UNLV campus. ESPN commentator Doris Burke remarked that, overall, Carter looked to her as the most impressive player in these games. Carter didn’t block any shots for the first time, but he continued to be exceptionally poised on offense with veteran pump fake moves and reverse scores as well as his short jump shots. He also had a steal and a pair of assists and his usual post game deflection of the queries about himself just as he bats away so many shots.

“Genes working in my favor and hard work,” he shrugged about his continued excellence in the league. “The mental game really is key for me. You can come in and be physical, but so much of the game is mental, setting screens, taking the right shots. Just being patient.

Carter has translated well on both ends, especially for a player who “fell” to No. 7 in the draft.

“I never looked at the draft as you go higher, you are a better player,” said Carter. “A lot depends on team needs.”

As for Bulls needs, well, they sure need a guy like that.

bulls-beat-mavericks-in-vegas

Bulls Beat Mavericks in Vegas

The Bulls Tuesday lost their second straight in the NBA Summer League, 101-93 to the Atlanta Hawks and 24 points with seven three pointers from Trae Young. But the Bulls are smiling because they appear to have a big winner.

It’s rookie Wendell Carter Jr. with yet another excellent effort, 23 points on nine of 13 shooting with six rebounds and another two blocks to lead all league players in total blocks. Carter made his only three-point attempt and was poised, physical and productive from the start as the Bulls built up at early 19-point lead.

They would be shot out of the game by 14 Atlanta threes led by Young, though the Bulls can feel awfully good despite an awful second half watching Carter play like a savvy veteran who even at 19 years old is showing the stuff of legends.

“His defensive instincts for a 19-year-old kid are off the charts,” marveled Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg, who is a spectator with assistant Randy Brown coaching. “So many kids want to get on SportsCenter throwing the ball into the third row. He keeps his blocks in play, which fuels your fast break. That’s a great skill. He’s mastered at a young age the art of verticality.”

Perhaps that is a bit of an overstatement since the Hall of Fame doesn’t have Carter’s bust completed yet. But here’s a kid who is not going to be a bust and whom the team can envision in a tandem with Lauri Markkanen for years.

Summer League now moves to a single elimination playoff format the rest of the week. Though early losers also will play a consolation game to get a minimum of five games. The Bulls play Dallas Wednesday 5:30 p.m. CT on NBA-TV.

Antonio Blakeney Tuesday also had 23 points and added five assists as he looked to move the ball more against pressure. Undrafted Kaiser Gates from Xavier was the only other Bulls player in double figures with 14 points with four of six threes. Fellow first round pick Chandler Hutchison led the team with eight assists after having eight rebounds in the Game 2 loss. But he again was passive offensively and had five turnovers. Ryan Arcidiacono was again feisty and had a little elbowing with Young while fifth starter Donte Ingram was mostly quiet again.

Not so with Carter, except in his post game interviews.

Carter is personable and cooperative, though a bit guarded, occasionally offering a sly smile.

“I just use whatever I am good at,” the 6-10 Carter said when asked about averaging almost four blocks per game with yet another helping effort. “Shot blocking is something I am really good at. I try to make that a strength and force them into shots I know I can block.”

And in walking into a three late, Carter said that, too, can be an option.

“That can be a focal point (for me),” he said. “I took that shot numerous times at Duke. It's just something I'm very comfortable with. If my team asks that of me, I think I'll be a great three-point shooter. It feels pretty natural.”

The Bulls looked natural to start with a 33-18 lead after one quarter. They opened the game with a sharp play featuring Carter in the middle running offense with Hutchison sliding in. Carter added a pair of three-point plays blowing through contact and scoring, which has troubled Hutchison. Hutchison did make a pair of threes, but again in the half court was uncertain and began to look to pass instead of shoot. He’s an excellent passer on the move, but obviously was reminded by the coaching staff to be more aggressive offensively.

“A couple of points I passed up shots I have to shoot,” Hutchison acknowledged. “They trusted me to stay aggressive. For me, it’s finding a balance, being aggressive when my opportunity comes. (I have been) struggling to finish at the rim when that is a big part of my game. I have to adjust, continue to be aggressive. I’m always extremely hard on myself. I have to do better. Defensively with my length height and athleticism, I’ve got to be relied upon to be a defensive stopper and rebound the ball; those two things no matter what happens on the other end every night can be valuable. So I have to be able to do that and help the team in every area I can.”

Even though Hutchison was a four-year player, he’s obviously going to come on more slowly and more like a typical rookie.

“The three days in Chicago (minicamp) Chandler was as impressive as anyone we had,” said Hoiberg. "A lot of that was he was getting the ball off the glass, going coast to coast and finishing at a high level. He’s got to be tougher mentally and physically to fight through these tough stretches; Chandler will be fine. It’s all a learning experience. I thought he had a huge impact even if he’s not scoring because he covers so much ground.”

Which makes the play of Carter that more special.

Blakeney rebounded from his tough shooting Game 2 and made some uncanny shots when plays broke down, though Blakeney needed 21 shots for his 23 points to 13 for Carter. Blakeney had to take them as the Bulls aren’t loaded with offensive options on this Summer League team with Hutchison not often looking to score. Loyola’s Ingram seems to have struggled with the speed of the play while Arcidiacono also is a reluctant shooter.

The Hawks took advantage, taking the lead early in the second half and then pulling away for the rest of the game. Though Carter continued to be a reason for Bulls partisans not to look away. And continue shaking their heads. Can he really be that good?

despite-two-losses-the-bulls-have-a-big-winner

Despite Two Losses, The Bulls Have A Big Winner

childukich

So the Bulls can probably hold off awhile before retiring Wendell Carter Jr’s No. 34.

Carter Sunday in the Bulls 69-60 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in the Las Vegas Summer League had a modest line of nine points, seven rebounds, four blocks and a precautionary early second half benching after banging knees earlier in the game.

“I’m fine,” Carter assured reporters with a shrug after the game. “I probably was (limping). I bumped knees at some point in the first half, so I probably was limping a little. I tried to not show it; just play through it.”

Carter actually did that, though not quite as impressively as his 16 points, nine rebounds and five blocks in the Game 1 win. He did return late in the second half Sunday to try to rally a Bulls team that began to collapse with his departure. Carter returned and immediately had a pair of blocks and ran off a Lakers dunk attempt before the Lakers pulled away late.

Matt Williams Jr., who played briefly for Miami last season and in the G-league, was the only Bulls player to score in double figures with 12 points. Chandler Hutchison had seven points and eight rebounds, though three of 10 shooting. Antonio Blakeney was two of 15, Ryan Arcidiacono two of nine and Donte Ingram two of seven.

“We didn’t make shots, got beat off the dribble,” said Summer League coach Randy Brown. “They played harder than us; they outplayed us. I have to protect him (Carter). I didn’t think he was running well. He banged knees, but he was fine. It was my call. I told him if he was limping, he was coming out. He said, ‘Coach, I want to play.’ And I (later) granted him his wish.”

But even in a brutally low scoring and erratic offensive game for the team and with his knee jarred, Carter was smooth and reliable again. He was the most active on defense, now with nine blocks in the two games. He shot eight of the Bulls overall 12 free throws, but had just five shots, the fewest of everyone who played more than a minute. That certainly needs to change.

Brown said he would get Carter more opportunities in the post, though Carter is strikingly unselfish and prone to move the ball when necessary. The Bulls trailed 35-29 at halftime, but quickly fell behind by 14 points with Carter watching in the third quarter. When he returned the Bulls made one run to within seven points in the fourth quarter. But another of those 18 turnovers enabled the home team Lakers to pull away.

“I played all right,” Carter said. “But we didn’t win. That’s the main goal and if we didn’t win, I’m not satisfied. I think we were outplayed tonight as a team, not getting back on defense and not rebounding the ball.

“He (Brown) was just looking out for the best for me, going out there and not playing 100 percent and maybe getting hurt even more. I appreciate him looking out for me,” Carter said.

The Bulls next play Tuesday 5 p.m CT against Atlanta and Trae Young on NBA-TV.

It was a tough game for fellow rookie Hutchison, who continually was denied at the rim. He wasn’t able to get the ball in transition much and in the half court he’s not strong enough to finish at the basket yet.

Brown again praised the way the feisty Arcidiacono ran the offense and said he had to play him the most because no one else was nearly as capable. Arcidiacono also led the team with nine rebounds despite being the smallest player on the floor Arcidiacono now has a good opportunity to go beyond his two-way G-league contract and make the Bulls with Jerian Grant traded to Orlando. Loyola’s Ingram appeared a bit more relaxed after opening game jitters and had six rebounds and was two of four on threes. He had the team's only steal.

But even with Carter’s uncertain gait, he was active in weak side defense with his blocks and help that kept the Bulls close early despite the horrid shooting. He took a hard fall early in the second quarter trying to block a shot, but popped up quickly and did finish a sharp pick and roll play with Hutchison. But without Carter after halftime until about nine minutes left, the Bulls could not match the Lakers.

The competitiveness,” Carter said, “has to go up a new notches the next game.”

bulls-fall-to-lakers-in-second-summer-league-game

Bulls fall to Lakers in second Summer League game

There may have been better debuts in a Bulls uniform than Wendell Carter Jr., who Saturday put up 16 points, nine rebounds, five blocks, two steals and hit two of three on 3-pointers in the Bulls 86-81 Summer League victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Bulls management may want to stay in Las Vegas the way they are getting jackpots with 7s, last year with Lauri Markkanen No. 7 in the NBA draft as part of the Jimmy Butler trade, and this year at No. 7 Carter Jr., who was arguably the most impressive rookie player in this opening weekend of the summer games.

“For a 19-year-old kid to play with that poise is mind boggling,” marveled Bulls assistant Randy Brown, who is coaching the summer squad. “The two threes he made were huge and the two-handed rebound he made at the end of the game; haven’t seen anything like that in a long time. The kid is relentless, unselfish; he doesn’t mind moving the ball. Nothing fazes this kid. I told him in the (late game) timeout, ‘Wendell, we need you to get this rebound.’ And he grabs it with two hands in traffic. Something we haven’t had on our team in a long time, a guy who can control the paint like that.”

The soft-spoken Carter was nothing short of a screaming revelation before a full house in the Thomas &amp; Mack Center on the UNLV campus. The sellout crowd hung in after the feature game of the night, the Suns and No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton against the Kings and No. 2 selection Marvin Bagley, Carter Jr’s Duke teammate.

Carter was overshadowed by the springy Bagley in college, accepting the front court support role and enabling Bagley to excel. Carter had been Duke’s top front court recruit, but Bagley reclassified late, casting a bit of a shadow on Carter’s excellence. Carter insisted if it were in the interests of team success, he was all in.

But Carter also promised his game would expand in the NBA, and the first returns were extraordinary.

From winning the opening tip to a quick score on a short jumper to open the game to a pair of stunning blocks early, including one on seven footer Ante Zizic in which Carter caught the ball, to defensive pressures against guards on switches to a specular close after the Bulls in the fourth quarter fell behind with a crucial steal, finishing a pick and roll and a three after tipping an offensive rebound to himself, Carter was the story of the day.

It was one excellent play after the next, Carter’s stoic expression rarely changing as he dove to tie up opponents and then win the jump ball on one end and then was catching neat pocket passes from fellow rookie Chandler Hutchison on the other.

“That dude,” marveled Hutchison, “there’s a reason he’s here and got the recognition he did. He plays really hard. Defensively, I thought he was spectacular. He surprised me on that end; blocking shots, being a force, rebounding the ball.”

Hutchison had his own terrific premier with 13 points and six of eight on free throws as he frequently drove to the basket. He’s still a little weak as a finisher at 6-7 and a bit under 200 pounds. But he is remarkably fluid in the open court, early in the game taking a rebound and driving full court with a curling finish that gave you a Scottie Pippen flashback. Hutchison had just two assists, but more because teammates weren’t ready for his adept passing while flying down the court. Late in the game with Carter aware of how much Hutchison could do with the ball, the two connected on a marvelous pick and roll with Carter scoring on Hutchison’s slick pocket pass.

“We haven’t had a guy like this in a long time, also, who can get out and run,” said Brown. “He’s athletic enough, smart enough, doesn’t take bad shots, is coachable. Doesn’t make a lot of mistakes, plays both ends, doesn’t take plays off.”

The Bulls didn’t much in Saturday’s opener, either.

Antonio Blakeney led the team with 25 points. Backcourt mate Ryan Arcidiacono added 10 points. Bruising Jarnell Stokes off the bench had eight points in 11 minutes. Zizic had 25 points and 11 rebounds for the Cavs and rookie Collin Sexton had 14 points.

Bulls free agent guard Zach LaVine sat courtside for the Sacramento and then Bulls game, the Bulls weighing a Kings restricted free agent offer to LaVine. LaVine wore a white outfit with diamonds.

But the real jewels were Carter and Hutchison.

The Bulls jumped out ahead with Carter’s back to back blocks stunning the crowd. Blakeney was hot scoring and the Bulls led 21-16 after one quarter and 47-39 at halftime. Carter remained in the middle with strong rebounding and a soft face up jump shot.

“I went out there and played my game, not trying to force anything,” said Carter. “People say the first game you’ll be nervous, but I just tried to stay in the middle and have fun. This NBA game, the court is a lot bigger; it’s one on one most of the time. I’m going to be able to showcase a lot more things as I get bigger, stronger, and a better pro.”

Bigger and stronger? Carter already is about 6-10 and 260 pounds and is unusually physical for a teenage player.

Even bigger and stronger, Carter was asked.

The Bulls drifted in the third quarter after taking a 15-point lead with some uncertain play and five turnovers from Blakeney. The Cavs then took a lead early in the fourth quarter. So Brown brought back his starters with Blakeney, Arcidiacono, Carter, Hutchison and Loyola’s Donte Ingram, the latter who had a quiet game with five points and four rebounds.

And though he doesn’t say much, it was a noisy close by Carter. There was that roll and score on a pass from Hutchison on the pick play. Carter then stole an inbounds pass after he was called for a questionable foul. It was a quiet intensity to succeed. Earlier in the game after Zizic drove by Carter on a spin move, Carter came right back with the play of the game, pinning a Zizic layup attempt and catching the ball to start a break.

“I’m always going to make a play if something bad happens,” said Carter. “If it’s making a shot or getting a rebound, the last rebound of the game, I just want to help my team win in whatever way I can. It’s something I’ve been working on, not letting the past affect me, learning from it and moving on.”

There’s the “just Summer League” disclaimer, but here was this kid making every big play. And amidst 15,000 very loud and active fans. Carter tipped a miss to himself for that three, then a tie-up and winning the jump, all crucial plays that enabled the Bulls to get that first win.

Which means a lot less than seeing what this past season and this draft appears to have yielded, two bright, aggressive, talented players who make winning plays.

“I’m all about getting my teammates (involved) out there,” said Carter. “If the ball gets to me in open spots, spots I like to take the shots, I try not to force anything and be a great defender. The blocks? It’s more fight. If you want to do it, you can do it. It’s a will to fight for it.”

The Bulls might have found themselves a winner.

carter-excels-in-bulls-86-81-summer-league-win-over-cleveland

Carter excels in Bulls 86-81 Summer League win over Cleveland

So just what did the Bulls accomplish in their transition 2017-18 season with 27 wins and two first round draft choices? Can it be a fast break slam dunk to contention?

The first official, if informal, look is Saturday evening in Las Vegas with Wendell Carter Jr. and Chandler Hutchison making their NBA debuts in the NBA Summer League on the UNLV campus. The game against Cleveland will be televised 8:30 pm CT on ESPN2. The Bulls Sunday play the Lakers Summer League team (no LeBron) 10:30 pm CT, also on ESPN2.

"I'm excited to see our new players, both Wendell and Chandler, in that setting with NBA talent," Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg said with the conclusion of a minicamp at the Advocate Center earlier this week. "It's been fun in (camp) to see their skill sets. Now to see what they can do in five-on-five situations.

"I've been very impressed with both players," Hoiberg said. "Wendell for a 19 year old player has an unbelievable level of physicality. We have some bigs (on the Summer League roster) with NBA experience, Shawn Long and Jarnell Stokes, and he has not one time backed down to anybody. He has a nice skill set, good at the elbow, makes quick decisions and is very good defensively, especially with his length and verticality.

"As far as Chandler, he's really, really good up the floor," Hoiberg added about the 6-7 No. 22 overall selection. "He's a dynamic playmaker in transition, gets the defensive rebound and pushing the ball up the floor; he's been really good in the open floor. His shot has been solid. He's been a guy who's come in every morning two hours before practice, gotten a lot of shots up before we actually started. It's been fun to see."

The Bulls hope there will be more fun to see these next 10 days or until the team is eliminated in the tournament-style competition following the first three games. The Bulls play the Atlanta Hawks team 5 p.m. CT Tuesday on NBA-TV before seeding play begins.

Assistant Randy Brown will coach the team and be assisted by Nate Loenser, Charlie Henry, Paul Miller and Karen Umlauf.

For the Bulls, it's the opportunity to get that first look at whom they hope will be foundational players from this draft. Carter figures to start at center with Hutchison at small forward. Holdovers from two-way contracts Ryan Arcidiacono and Antonio Blakeney likely will start in the backcourt.

Loyola's 6-6 swingman Donte Ingram is with the team and figures to get a long look as a possible training camp invitee. Hoiberg said Ingram played well in the mini camp.

"He was knocking down shots, he competes, plays hard, a smart kid who can drive by his man," said Hoiberg of the local favorite who knocked down that biggest of game winners to open the NCAA tournament against Miami.

"Then there are some guys like Antonio, who showed some flashes last year," Hoiberg noted. "It's a really good opportunity for him to show how he's grown from last year. When he got hurt, it was unfortunate because he was just starting to get a rhythm when he went down."

Blakeney, undrafted out of LSU, was the surprise last Summer League and earned the new two-way contract. After starting the season with the Bulls, he went to G-league Windy City and led the league in scoring. He had scored in double figures in four of the previous five games in March back with the Bulls when he suffered a left wrist fracture.

"For Arcidiacono, it will be a good opportunity for him to go out and play heavy minutes in this setting," Hoiberg added. "For those four guys, especially,  go out and compete at a high level and get better as the week goes on."

The qualifier, as always, is that "it's just Summer League."

And just the beginning. But it's a big beginning for Carter and Hutchison to show what they can do and if they are ready to run with their new teammates.

The 6-10 Carter as the No. 7 selection is the Bulls prize from this draft. The Bulls are counting on him for that presence and the scoring abilities he said were masked in college. But even Summer League is much different than college. Carter's more publicized teammate, Marvin Bagley, struggled in the Sacramento Summer League that began earlier this week. He often had his shot blocked and shot poorly at nine of 25. In a tandem Utah summer league, also with four teams, Trae Young, also selected ahead of Carter, shot poorly and had several air balls and numerous turnovers.

They're professionals now, but Carter only recently turned 19 years old. He isn't much removed from not even being able to play a slot machine at the airport. The Bulls understand he may not have a full house of success to begin.

"The first thing we all understand is neither one played five-on-five games," Hoiberg pointed out. "There's some rust; we saw a little of that in practice. But it's fun to think about these guys and, especially in Wendell's case, being 19 years old and now he is getting a lot of the little things, setting screens, rolling, defending at a high level, things he talked about (in his interviews before the draft). To go out there and think these guys are going to score 40 a game is unrealistic. They'll struggle a little bit because they have not played a lot of five-on-five basketball."

Hutchison is 22 years old and a four-year college player, though that still doesn't quite make you an NBA player. The Bulls probably want to see him do more than Carter because of his wing position. Hutchison has been regarded as someone who can make plays in the open court with the ball, but who needs to improve his shooting. The Bulls want to see him start to make those plays and shots against professionals.

"Looking at a guy like Chandler, when all is said and done, he's a guy who will play both forward positions," said Hoiberg. "We think he's a guy who you can put the ball in his hands and he'll bring the ball down the floor. He rebounds. We want to open up the floor for Chandler to get downhill. As the league continues to downsize, I think you can use him in both forward spots. And with Wendell, he's another guy that his skill set grew as the season went on. He's an impressive kid and a modern day big because at the end of the day, he's a guy who can step outside and stretch the defense. He's a good screener and roll man to get to the rim, and defensively, I think, you can do a lot of things with him. It will be fun to see them as the week goes on."

And, hopefully, during the 2018-19 NBA season as well. The trailer is Saturday.

bulls-open-up-2018-nba-summer-league-on-saturday-night-in-vegas

Bulls open up 2018 NBA Summer League on Saturday night in Vegas

bullstv-interview-randy-brown

BullsTV Interview: Randy Brown

Presented By

AT&T

<a href="https://www.nba.com/bulls/bullstv/live">LIVE: Artūras Karni&scaron;ovas &amp; Marc Eversley address media following the 2023 NBA Draft.</a> &nbsp; &nbsp;