Chicago Bulls: 3 candidates for a breakout season in 2018-19
1. Lauri Markkanen
This one is easy. Lauri Markkanen is the centerpiece of the Chicago Bulls rebuild and how he progresses will be indicative of how quickly the franchise can turnaround.
In his rookie season, Markkanen posted strong numbers, 15.2 points and 7.5 rebounds per game in 68 contests. He also shot 43.4 percent from the field, including 36.2 percent from downtown. These numbers should improve this season as Markkanen’s confidence grows.
https://twitter.com/MarkkanenLauri/status/1009464492688855040
Markkanen has the potential to be a perennial All-Star for the Bulls. His array of skills he displayed in his rookie season surprised many experts. While he won’t shock many this season, Markkanen’s production should increase, even while sharing the ball with Zach LaVine and Jabari Parker.
In an earlier post, I wrote about three goals for Markkanen which included making the All-Star squad, being a 50-40-90 guy and leading the Bulls to the playoffs. These are lofty goals, but not unreachable. Achieving any one of these goals will cement Markkanen’s status as one of the top young players in the league.
The Chicago Bulls will continue to develop their roster this season. They are young and talented and brash enough to think they can compete for a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference. With Wendell Carter Jr. and Chandler Hutchison joining the young Bulls, they will at the very least be entertaining for fans.