Chicago Bulls: Lauri Markkanen is doing big things in EuroBasket 2017
After already showing out in NBA Summer League, Chicago Bulls rookie Lauri Markkanen is now proving his worth in EuroBasket 2017.
He has yet to begin his first season in the NBA, and Chicago Bulls rookie Lauri Markkanen already has big shoes to fill.
Drafted No. 7 overall by the Bulls after they traded off Jimmy Butler and their No. 16 pick for Kris Dunn and Zach LaVine, many were surprised the 20-year-old came off the board so soon, especially since guys like Malik Monk and Dennis Smith Jr. were still available at the time.
"“Lauri was the best player on the board…” explained general manager Gar Forman. “He’s a guy who fits our team and fits how the game is being played in the NBA.”"
Truth be told, Forman’s confidence in the big man probably did not do much to reassure fans that the organization made the right choice. While some latched on to Markkanen’s defensive weaknesses, others made comparisons to Nikola Mirotic.
The rest of the doubters simply argued that if the front office liked him, he was bound to be a bust — not exactly the most logical theory, but not surprising either given the steadily declining faith in the franchise.
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In any case, the good news is that the Finland-native seems to be having no problem proving the skeptics wrong.
For starters, in three NBA Summer League games, Markkanen averaged 14.0 points and 9.0 rebounds in 32.7 minutes of play. Yes, he shot just 29 percent from the field, but the former University of Arizona Wildcat deserves time to transition his game from college to the pros. He also still managed to make his opponent work to guard him, spaced the floor decently and was active on defense.
Not a bad precursor to his first year in the league.
More recently however, the young fella showed EuroBasket 2017 what he is made of. Playing for his home country of Finalnd, Markkanen has raised some eyebrows.
So far in the tournament, the seven-footer has averaged 22.6 points (on a whopping 55.1 percent shooting from the field) and 6.2 rebounds a game. He has also shot 50 percent from downtown and 89.7 percent from the line.
(Insert eyes emoji, now.)
His impressive work in Finland’s group stage is more than just about numbers. Markkanen stepped up as a clutch playmaker on several occasions, including when he recorded 14 points in the last 3:35 minutes of play against France.
Markkanen scored 14 PTS in the last 3:35 of regulation + OT via jump hook, tip dunk, lefty finish, two spot 3s & a 2-dribble pull up going L pic.twitter.com/va4x1WWZOw
— Mike Schmitz (@Mike_Schmitz) August 31, 2017
If those types of performances do not ignite excitement about both Markkanen’s and the organization’s future, nothing will.
The rookie still has plenty to work on, sure. And yes, it may take some time for him to be comfortable within head coach Fred Hoiberg‘s system. But there is no reason to believe the No. 7 pick will not live up to his potential.
Next: Chicago Bulls: Complete 2017 offseason grades
Get ready Chicago Bulls fans. Lauri Markkanen is here to spearhead the rebuild. So far, things are looking up.