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Why Lauri Markkanen was the right pick for the Bulls

By Luke Bendel

Mar 23, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) drives the ball past Xavier Musketeers forward Tyrique Jones (0) during the second period in the semifinals of the West Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Xavier Musketeers defeated the Arizona Wildcats 73-71. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) drives the ball past Xavier Musketeers forward Tyrique Jones (0) during the second period in the semifinals of the West Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Xavier Musketeers defeated the Arizona Wildcats 73-71. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Chicago Bulls aquired the seventh pick from the Minnesota Timberwolves (via trade) in the 2017 NBA Draft. With that pick, the Bulls selected Arizona’s Lauri Markkanen. Here’s why Markkanen was the right choice for them.

Lauri Markkanen was the right choice for the Chicago Bulls in the 2017 NBA Draft for a few reasons.

His size will allow him to be able to play multiple positions other than just power forward in the NBA. He’s been called the premier shooter in this year’s draft class and he has the ability to handle the ball in transition and in half-court settings.

First and foremost, Markkanen’s 7-foot frame is going to give him many advantages. One advantage is he is going to have the size mismatch in almost any matchup he gets considering he plays mainly at the 4. He is going to be able to grab rebounds efficiently as he did in college at Arizona. The biggest advantage is going to be utilizing him in pick-and-rolls. Since he has the ability to be a ball handler in the half-court, the Bulls will have to use him in pick-and-rolls with a guard such as Dwyane Wade. This would hopefully allow for Markkanen to get the switch and have matchups with smaller defenders.

Along with the mismatches he can bring to an offense, Markkanen is quite possibly the best shooter in this year’s draft. In his only season at Arizona, Markkanen shot an incredible 42.3 percent from 3-point range as well as 49.2 percent from the field.

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This kind of shooting ability, paired with his size, is going to make him really difficult to guard because not only can he shoot the ball, he is also good at attacking the basket. He is going to have the capability of shooting over top of defenders, driving by them, or taking them into the post and getting the shot that he wants.

Lastly, Markkanen really reminds of Kristaps Porzingis. Just think about it, they are both monster 7-footers who are also great shooters. They are good ball-handlers and can attack the basket and score consistently, both can be efficient on the glass and they spread the floor out and allow for teammates to drive to the hoop more easily.

The only clear difference between the two is that Porzingus is better on the defensive end of the floor and is more respected as a shot blocker and rim protector. Aside from Markkanen’s defensive inabilities, I think his contributions on the offensive end is enough to say that he was the correct choice for the Bulls in the draft.

Next: Why Markkanen wasn't a good pick for the Bulls at No. 7

I mean, the Bulls were one of the worst shooting teams in the league last season. I think Markkanen has the potential to be a valuable asset for Chicago considering all the different ways the Bulls will be able to utilize him on offense.

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