2017-18 NBA Rookie of the Year ladder: Week 10 power rankings

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4. Lauri Markkanen, Chicago Bulls

Last rank: No. 5 (↑1)

The Chicago Bulls’ seven-game winning streak has come to an end, but they’re jelling as a team. The Bulls and rookie Lauri Markkanen put up a valiant effort against the Cleveland Cavaliers, despite falling 115-112 in the end. Markkanen finished the game with 25 points on 11-of-17 shooting. On the other hand, he finished with just two rebounds and two assists. As an up-and-coming big man, that must change.

The Cavaliers and the Bulls both finished with 35 team rebounds. Markkanen finished with just one defensive and one offensive rebound in the game, while guard Justin Holiday finished with seven rebounds. If Chicago hopes to become a complete team, they’ll need to implore Markkanen to crash the glass on both ends.

The Bulls do rank 10th in the NBA in rebounds per game (44.5) but they also 24th in second-chance points per game (10.4). A few putbacks on the offensive end from Markkanen improves this number and potentially the outcome for the Chicago Bulls.

Still, Markkanen’s continued improvement on offense has been hard to ignore. The Bulls are 10-21 as he remains their biggest asset on offense next to Nikola Mirotic.