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) /

5 of 6

Chicago Bulls (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Lauri Markkanen’s fourth goal: Improve rebounding numbers

One of the most impressive aspects of Markkanen’s game in his second season was that he didn’t just focus on scoring the basketball. He was also a very solid rebounder. Having the ability to shoot the ball from deep, Lauri could easily fall into the trap many other “stretch-fours” fall into and neglect the responsibility to hit the boards the way a forward should. However, in his second campaign, he averaged a respectable 9.0 rebounds per game.

Unfortunately for Bulls fans, Lauri’s rebounding took a significant drop in his third season, down to 6.3 per game. An elite rebounder, especially on the offensive end, can put significant pressure on opposing teams by creating second shot opportunities.

The emergence of Coby White means that the Bulls have another guard in addition to Zach LaVine who they must prioritize getting shots for. This does not mean, however, that Markkanen is free to disappear during games, which he was accused of doing at one point during last season.

One way to stay engaged is to crash the boards, even if he’s not getting as many touches as he’d like on a given night. At 7’0” tall, Markkanen can be a threat to average double-digit rebounds per game. That would have an enormously positive impact for the Bulls, and it’s a goal Markkanen should set for himself going into next season.

Home/Chicago Bulls