Chicago Bulls: 2018-19 player grades for Lauri Markkanen

Offensively, Markkanen has been better than advertised

When he was drafted seventh overall in 2017 out of Arizona, the young Finnish star was touted as a strong shooter. His thin frame certainly didn’t give off any type of impression that he’d be much more. Instead of camping outside the arc, the former Wildcat instead has shown an ability, a strong willingness even, to take the ball off the dribble and mix it up near the basket.

In fact, 22.4 percent of Markkanen’s field goal attempts this season were within three feet of the rim, his highest percentage from anywhere on the court. Again, because comparisons are fun, In 2017-18, Porzingis attempted just 15.6 percent of his shots from within the same range.

In his sophomore season in the Windy City, Markkanen had a 55.3 true shooting percentage, which is a more efficient measure for tracking 3-point, 2-point and free throw attempts. He made 36.1 percent of his long range attempts, which constituted 41.8 percent of his field goal attempts. He scored 20-plus points in 21 games, scored 30 or more seven times and posted a career-high 35 points coming in a win against the Boston Celtics in February.

Markkanen’s offensive game is clearly his best asset, and if head coach Jim Boylen realizes what he has in his frontcourt star, the Bulls’ offense should flow through him more. He’s hardly scratched the surface of his potential and soon fans will start to take notice.

If he’s healthy, he creates a tough matchup for almost every opponent. He possesses a quick first step for a big man, which makes him dangerous off the dribble. Sag off him and he’ll shoot daggers from long range.