Chicago Bulls: 2017-18 player grades for Lauri Markkanen

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 6: Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls is guarded by Terry Rozier #12 of the Boston Celtics during a game at TD Garden on April 6, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Lauri Markkanen; Terry Rozie /

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Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images /

The Chicago Bulls acquired Lauri Markkanen in an offseason trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Here’s a look at how the rookie forward performed during the 2017-18 season.

The Chicago Bulls acquired the No. 7 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft via an offseason trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves. That pick turned out to be Lauri Markkanen from the University of Arizona.

During his lone season with the Wildcats, Markkanen’s averages included 15.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game on shooting lines of .545/.423/.835.

On the heels of some inconsistent play during the Bulls’ NBA Summer League tournament, Markkanen played exceptionally well in the six-game EuroBasket 2017 tournament, posting averages of 19.5 points and 5.7 rebounds per game.

As was the case during his short collegiate stint, Markkanen shot the ball at an efficient clip, knocking down 53.3 percent of his overall attempts and 47.8 percent of his looks from deep. Based on the numbers, it’s easy to see why he was considered one of the best shooters in last year’s draft class.

Despite the numbers, though, many wondered if Markkanen would be able to excel at the NBA level, especially from a physicality standpoint. To see how the Bulls’ rookie fared, let’s take a look back at his 2017-18 season.

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