Chicago Bulls: 5 goals for Lauri Markkanen in the 2020-21 season

NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 10: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on January 10, 2018 in New York City. The Bulls defeated the Knicks 122-119 in double overtime. 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 Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 10: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on January 10, 2018 in New York City. The Bulls defeated the Knicks 122-119 in double overtime. 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 Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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Lauri Markkanen’s productivity dropped last season. Next year must serve as a step in the right direction for both he and the Chicago Bulls.

At 7’0” tall, with the athleticism to throw down impressive dunks even when contested at the rim, and the skills to knock down the 3-point shot with regularity, Lauri Markkanen has all the makings of an elite NBA player. Having joined the Chicago Bulls in the trade that sent Jimmy Butler to the Minnesota Timberwolves and marked the beginning of their rebuilding process, Markkanen figures to be one of the cornerstones of the franchise for years to come.

His second season was enough to get fans in the Windy City excited about his potential, as he averaged 18.7 points and 9.0 rebounds per game. It appeared that a star was born. However, last season was a disappointment for Lauri Markkanen, and Bulls fans are now left hoping he can return to his former levels of productivity.

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In the 2020 season, he produced career-lows in points per game, rebounds per game and 3-point shooting percentage. Although the future still looks bright for Markkanen, he must realize that 2021 must be a bounce-back season for him if his career is going to reach the trajectory that once looked certain.

The Chicago Bulls need Lauri Markkanen to be every bit of the player he has the potential to be if they’re going to make the playoffs in 2021. Let’s take a look at the steps he must take to get there.