Chicago Bulls: 3 storylines that will come to an apex in final stretch

Chicago Bulls storyline No. 2: Lauri Markkanen’s future

One of the most polarizing players in recent Bulls history, the future of Lauri Markkanen is unclear. At times, he looks like a major part of the team’s future. Recently, however, he’s featuring less and less in the rotation.

The sharpshooter out of Arizona has the right offensive skills for the modern NBA. He can score anywhere he wants, including popping out for a three. But at times, he just disappears and fails to contribute elsewhere.

The seven-footer is averaging 14.6 points per game, which isn’t terrible, but it’s practically the same amount he averaged a year ago. It’s also less than Markkanen averaged during his first and second seasons. His field goal and three-point shooting percentages are both at career-best marks, but he’s barely attempting more shots from the floor than his first two seasons.

His tailspin is getting worse in recent games. He scored just three points in a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night. Two games earlier against the same opponent, he failed to score at all. He went five straight games without scoring more than eight points.

Markkanen dealt with a shoulder sprain earlier this season, which took him out of commission for several weeks. But the injury can’t be blamed for his recent play, as he was actually playing better in the first few games after his return before this recent stretch.

Markkanen is set to be a restricted free agent this summer and there was once fear the Bulls would have to match a big offer for him. At this point, it’s questionable whether they will want him to return at all.