2017-18 NBA Rookie of the Year ladder: Week 16 power rankings

7 of 11

Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images /

5. Lauri Markkanen, Chicago Bulls

Last week: 4th (↓1)

Chicago Bulls rookie big man Lauri Markkanen is another player that drops down a spot in this week’s NBA Rookie of the Year ladder, though it’s no fault of his own. The Bulls went 0-4 on the week despite Markkanen essentially averaging a double-double.

The Finland native is averaging 13.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.3 blocks per contest through the last four games for the Bulls. He’s got three double-doubles in the last four games as well.

January has been a productive month for Markkanen. He’s added five double-doubles to his total after entering with seven on the season. He’s averaged 17.1 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.5 assists this month while shooting 47.8 percent from the field and 43.2 percent from 3-point range.

Despite his elevated numbers, Chicago is just 15-32 with him in the lineup and 18-32 overall, good for 12th in the Eastern Conference standings. He’s a solid piece to build around but he’ll need more help if he hopes to take the Bulls places.