Chicago Bulls: 5 goals for Lauri Markkanen’s rookie season

4. Surpass Nikola Mirotic comparisons

One of the players Markkannen has been compared to is Nikola Mirotic. Yes, Mirotic has posted double-digit scoring averages in each of his three seasons in Chicago.

However, Mirotic has an annoying tendency of disappearing for stretches of time after he puts together a couple of solid performances. One such instance occurred in early December.

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After putting up 18 points against the Portland Trail Blazers, Mirotic scored a total of just 24 points in the next four games. Another instance that supports this sentiment took place in the first round playoff series against the Boston Celtics.

In Games 2-4, Mirotic scored 13, 11 and 13 points, respectively. Over the next two games, he produced just 11 points and six rebounds total.

In light of this maddening level of inconsistency, Fred Hoiberg — as well as the fan base — never knew which version of Niko they were going to see from one night to the next. It was also the reason why the Bulls considered trading him during the second half of the season.

That being said, if Markkanen hopes to become a rotational player at some point, he will have to find a way to play well on a nightly basis.