2017-18 NBA Rookie of the Year ladder: Week 20 power rankings

8. Lauri Markkanen, Chicago Bulls

Last week: 8th (↔)

It looks like Chicago Bulls rookie Lauri Markkanen has hit the proverbial rookie wall post-All-Star Break. Markkanen was producing at a reasonable rate since returning from injury, but in the past two Bulls’ contest, he simply hasn’t been himself.

He is a combined 2-for-16 (12.5 percent) in Chicago’s last two games. From 3-point range, Markannen is a combined 0-for-7. In the same span, he’s averaging just 3.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks.

It could be rust from the All-Star Break or something else entirely. One thing’s for sure: If Markkanen continues to play this poorly, the Bulls are doomed. He’s been one of their best players this season, averaging 14.8 points per game, fourth on the team.

With an offensive rating below 100 in the past two games (96.0), he’ll certainly need to pick things up. He proved to be one of the top rookies earlier in the season. Now, he’ll just need to do it on a more consistent basis.