Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine likes what he sees in Wendell Carter Jr., and he admits that the development of the 19-year-old rookie into one of the team's vocal leaders is encouraging.

Just 17 games into the season, LaVine is already welcoming of Carter's foray into a leadership role. He also has a heap of praise to offer for the rookie big man out of Duke University, per Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic.

“For his age, he’s extremely mature just by the way he talks to the media. So it’s a bright spot and something you’re encouraged to see,” LaVine said.

“Definitely, he’s able to take leadership. He’s one of the key dudes on this team. He’s going to be here for the future, and I feel like his voice is just as important as any of ours.”

Carter is one-half of last year's Duke's frontcourt duo that included 2018 second overall pick Marvin Bagley of the Sacramento Kings. Bagley has taken most of the spotlight, but Carter's overall efficiency on the court is an indication that he could be a cornerstone for the young Bulls team.

With just 26 minutes of playing time each game, Carter is already racking up impressive averages of 11.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.9 blocks per game. Among Bulls players registering more than 20 minutes per game, the rookie is tied with LaVine for first in player efficiency rating (17.7).

In arguably the best game of Carter's young career, he held his own against Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic. Carter was outstanding that night as he put up an all-around effort of 25 points, eight rebounds, five assists, three blocks and three steals. The Bulls lost that game by a mere one point, but Carter showed why he has been greatly underrated for some time now.

In an intriguing match-up on Wednesday, Carter goes up against 2018 top pick DeAndre Ayton as the Bulls host the Phoenix Suns.