Chicago Bulls: 5 takeaways from 2017-18 preseason

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 13: Cristiano Felicio #6 of the Chicago Bulls grabs the rebound against the Toronto Raptors on October 13, 2017 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images /

4. Lauri Markkanen is ready

The Bulls acquired Markkanen in a draft-night trade that sent three-time All-Star Jimmy Butler to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Although he was considered one of the most gifted shooters in the draft, Bulls fans had to wait a bit to see how he would fare against NBA competition, as back spasms forced him to miss the first three games of the preseason.

Things didn’t go according to plan for Markkanen in his preseason debut, as he scored four points on 1-for-9 shooting and missed all of his six attempts from 3-point range. However, that outing proved to be a mere speed bump for the team’s prized rookie.

A few nights later against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Markkanen poured in 18 points (including 15 in the fourth quarter) on 7-for-12 shooting and a 4-for-7 effort from beyond the arc.

In the preseason finale against the Raptors, Markkanen continued his solid play, scoring 13 points on 4-for-9 shooting and converted three of his five attempts from distance. He also handed out three assists as well.

Even though it is just the preseason, Markkanen has proven he can play at this level and as long as he continues to improve, he has the potential to become a matchup problem for opposing teams.

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