2017-18 NBA Rookie of the Year ladder: Week 6 power rankings

5. Lauri Markkanen, Chicago Bulls

Last week: No. 6 (↑1)

Chicago Bulls big man Lauri Markkannen is slowly becoming a star in the making. He’s averaging 14.6 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists through 17 games so far this season.

Markkanen posted a career-high 26 points and 13 rebounds last Sunday night in a 113-105 loss to the Suns. He’s making strides in the Chicago frontcourt, but could still use some help in the backcourt. The Bulls boast an offensive rating of 96.9 this season, which ranks 30th in the NBA.

For his part, Markkanen is shooting 40.1 percent from the field and 34.5 percent from 3-point range. He ranks third among rookies in points per game and second in rebounds per game. Markkanen also ranks fourth in 3-pointers made among power forwards in the league.

There’s room for improvement in the rebounding department for Markkanen as the seven-footer has just five double-doubles this season. To play at a high level, he’ll need to force the envelope a bit more and crash the glass on both ends.