Hoops Habit
Fansided

Chicago Bulls: 3 takeaways from 2017-18 season opener

By James D. Tillman III

TORONTO, CANADA - OCTOBER 19: Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the Toronto Raptors shoots the ball against the Chicago Bulls during the game on October 19, 2017 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA - OCTOBER 19: Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the Toronto Raptors shoots the ball against the Chicago Bulls during the game on October 19, 2017 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 19: Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls dribbles the ball during the first half of an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre on October 19, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. 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. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 19: Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls dribbles the ball during the first half of an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre on October 19, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. 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. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

1. Lauri Markkanen solid in NBA debut

Lauri Markkanen closed out his three-game preseason slate, scoring 18 and 13 points, respectively. Due to his ability to knock down the long ball, it was all but a foregone conclusion he would be part of the rotation at some point.

However, that process was expedited a bit following an altercation between teammates Bobby Portis and Nikola Mirotic earlier this week. The result of that unfortunate exchange was an eight-game suspension for Portis and Mirotic will be on the shelf for at least the next several weeks due to broken bones in his face and a concussion as well.

Similar to his preseason debut (four points on 1-for-9 shooting), Markkanen got off to a slow start against the Raptors, as he shot 1-for-4 from the field and committed two turnovers in the first half.

The second half was a different story, though, as the rookie forward scored 15 points, including an eight-point outburst during a 45-second span in the third quarter.

Markkanen finished the evening with 17 points to go along with eight rebounds on 5-for-12 shooting and 2-for-6 from 3-point range. Furthermore, he continues to play with a high level of confidence even when the shots aren’t falling.

"“I thought Lauri was really good,” Hoiberg told the Chicago Tribune. “He ran the floor well. He was OK (defensively). We want him hunting shots. What we like most about him is he has no fear out there. He can miss two or three in a row and if he has any daylight, he’s going to shoot with confidence.”"

Next: 2017-18 Week 1 NBA Power Rankings

The Bulls are just one game into the season, but if Markkanen continues to improve, he certainly has the potential to gain the inside track as a starter at the four spot.

Home/Chicago Bulls