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 Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

Weaknesses

One of the glaring weaknesses about Markkanen coming out of college was the fact that he was not regarded as a stout defender, averaging just 0.4 steals and 0.5 blocks per outing. Unfortunately, that trend continued during his rookie campaign with the Bulls, with Markkanen averaging 0.6 per game in both categories.

If you don’t subscribe to the notion of judging a player’s defensive ability based on blocks and steals alone, the story doesn’t get any better when discussing Markkanen’s defensive real plus-minus (DPRM) —a stat that measures a player’s estimated on-court impact on team defensive performance, measured in points allowed per 100 defensive possessions.

Markkanen finished the season with rating of -0.85 in the category, placing him at the 77th spot among power forwards. Needless to say this number has to improve in order for him to the take next step in his young career.

While Markkanen didn’t exactly excel from a defensive standpoint, the good news is he already has solid footwork, which enables him to hold his own against a talented player like Kristaps Porzingis.

Furthermore, with an offseason to add a bit of muscle to his lean frame, it would not be surprising to see him show noticeable improvement in this area next season.

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