Pippen Ain't Easy
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5 goals for Lauri Markkanen to achieve during his rookie season in NBA

By Michael Whitlow

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 10: Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls goes up for a dunk against the Atlanta Hawks during the 2017 Las Vegas Summer League on July 10, 2017 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 10: Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls goes up for a dunk against the Atlanta Hawks during the 2017 Las Vegas Summer League on July 10, 2017 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Lauri Markkanen, PF/C, Chicago Bulls
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 10: Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls goes up for a dunk against the Atlanta Hawks during the 2017 Las Vegas Summer League on July 10, 2017 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Goal No. 1: Get named to a starting role

For now, it’s likely that Markkanen will see the bulk of his minutes as a power forward in his first season with Robin Lopez still on the roster playing at center.

Whether it’s at power forward or center, the main goal for Markkanen in his rookie campaign should be to become a full-time starter. It’s unfair and completely unrealistic to ask a rookie to reach for an All-NBA spot, an All-Star Game spot or a major award. The NBA Rookie of the Year award is on the table for Markkanen, but there’s a lot of talent elsewhere that may have a better chance of winning. Plus, the Bulls have one of the worst rosters in the NBA today. The playoffs aren’t happening for the Bulls, even in the weaker Eastern Conference.

Still, Markkanen can reach a big realistic goal in his first pro season and that’s becoming a full-time starter. Markkanen probably projects more as a 5-man in today’s NBA if he continues to grow (literally) and Hoiberg can unlock a free-flowing offense that can consistently spread the floor with players that can actually shoot from the perimeter.

It’s likely that Dwyane Wade and Robin Lopez don’t finish this season in Chicago with the Bulls. That opens the door for two starting spots. One will go to Zach LaVine when he’s fully recovered from his ACL injury and the other will be in the front court with Markkanen, Mirotic, Bobby Portis and Cristiano Felicio all in the hunt for that spot.

Next: Glancing at the point guard depth this season for the Bulls

Felicio signed a four-year deal in the offseason to stay in Chicago, but has a really limited game compared to the other three players. Mirotic doesn’t have a deal as of now, but it’s expected that the Bulls re-sign him in some way before the season. Portis has some offensive potential, but has yet to really show an ability to stay on the floor in the limited action he’s seen.

That leaves Markkanen, who arguably has the highest ceiling of any player listed. The door could potentially open for Markkanen to seize a role as one of the faces of the franchise. It’s up to him to walk through that door if it opens at some point.

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