Chicago Bulls: 3 goals for Lauri Markkanen in 2018-19

3. Be an Eastern Conference All-Star

This should be an attainable goal for Markkanen in 2018-19. With LeBron James bolting to the Los Angeles Lakers this summer, the balance of power continues to lean towards the Western Conference.

Of course, Kawhi Leonard will make his debut in the East this season for the Toronto Raptors and will undoubtedly be at All-Star Weekend in Charlotte as long as he’s healthy. Still, an ideal stretch-4 in today’s game like Markkanen should be in the running for a nod to represent Chicago.

Already one of the best big men in the Eastern Conference, Markkanen has an increased chance of making the East squad, considering Kristaps Porzingas’ recovery from knee surgery. For Markkanen to achieve All-Star status, the key lies in both the intangibles and the numbers.

For example, All-Stars Draymond Green and Al Horford averaged 11.3 points and 13.7 points per game, respectively. In addition, both big men averaged less than eight rebounds per game last season. Those stat lines won’t blow anyone away, but both players brought immeasurable value to their teams.

This is all to say that Markkanen won’t need mind-blowing stats to impress voters. It’s just as important that he shows his overall value to the Chicago Bulls and that he’s a significant reason for their improvement.

In the East, Markkanen will be competing for an All-Star spot with fellow big men Myles Turner of the Indiana Pacers, Andre Drummond of the Detroit Pistons, Boston’s Al Horford, Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid and Kevin Love of the Cleveland Cavaliers. It’s a good group of athletic bigs, and Markkanen should be adding his name to this list this season.