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Chicago Bulls: Lauri Markkanen selected to NBA All-Rookie First Team

By Luke Askew

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 16: Lauri Markkanen #24 of the World team poses for a portrait prior to the Mountain Dew Kickstart Rising Stars Game during All-Star Friday Night as part of 2018 NBA All-Star Weekend at the STAPLES Center on February 16, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Michael J. LeBrecht II/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 16: Lauri Markkanen #24 of the World team poses for a portrait prior to the Mountain Dew Kickstart Rising Stars Game during All-Star Friday Night as part of 2018 NBA All-Star Weekend at the STAPLES Center on February 16, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Michael J. LeBrecht II/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The NBA All-Rookie teams were announced today and Chicago Bulls forward Lauri Markkanen was selected to the First Team. Oh, and it happens to be his birthday as well.

What a day for Lauri Markkanen to cap off an incredible year. On his 21st birthday, it was announced that the rookie forward from Finland was selected to the NBA All-Rookie first team.

Chicago Bulls fans knew how special Lauri was this season, but it’s nice to know that the media with voting credentials felt the same way. Out of 100 voters, Lauri Markkanen received 76 first-team votes to go along with 21 second-team votes.

That means that three voters were flat out wrong when they cast their ballots – but that’s none of my business (insert Kermit the Frog drinking tea emoji here).

Here is a complete look at both NBA All-Rookie teams:

Markkanen averaged 15 points and 8 rebounds per game in his rookie year with the Chicago Bulls. He also became the fastest player in NBA history to make 100 threes. Can you believe that record was broken by a 7-footer?

I can’t either.

Per 36 minutes, Markkanen averaged 18 points and 9 rebounds. As he continues to get stronger in the offseason and progresses in his role with the Bulls, his numbers should continue to improve. For comparison’s sake, Dirk Nowitzki – someone Lauri is frequently compared too – averaged 15 points and 6 rebounds per 36 minutes during his rookie season.

Sure, Nowitzki didn’t have a stellar rookie year, but Markkanen wasn’t expected to by most people, either. While Markkanen getting off to a better start than Nowitzki doesn’t mean a whole lot (player development over the next couple years is key), it still means a lot.

The Bulls struck gold with the 7th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. After a scrutinized move on draft night, this has to be an extremely happy day for the Chicago Bulls front office.

Check out some of Lauri Markkanen’s rookie highlights here:

Next: Chicago Bulls draft board: Michael Porter Jr.

On behalf of all Chicago Bulls fans, congrats on proving everyone wrong and happy birthday, Lauri!

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