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Chicago Bulls: 5 reasons Lauri Markkanen NBA’s next superstar

By Andrew Miller

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 08: Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls reacts during the second half of the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on February 08, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 08: Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls reacts during the second half of the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on February 08, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 08: Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls dribbles the ball during the second half of the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on February 08, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 08: Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls dribbles the ball during the second half of the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on February 08, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

5. Versatile creating ability

There’s very few players in the NBA that hold the combination of physical tools and shot creating ability of Lauri Markkanen for the Bulls. At 7-foot and 240 pounds, Markkanen holds the ideal size and frame to make the most of his skill set, athleticism, and shooting ability. He also has a large enough wingspan to get over the top of opposing defenders.

A few names that come to mind in comparison to the skill set of Markkanen are recently traded Dallas Mavericks forward Kristaps Porzingis, Mavs rookie Luka Doncic, and San Antonio Spurs star power forward LaMarcus Aldridge. Markkanen is very similar to Doncic in the way that they are able to command the floor, facilitate the offense, and drain tough looks.

Another common comparison that Markkanen is obviously getting a lot of already is with another standout Mavs legend, German forward Dirk Nowitzki. The ability of Markkanen to consistently hit strong on the step-back is a strong liking to the way Nowitzki found his best scoring nights back in his hay-day.

Any forward that is able to drain roughly 35 percent of his looks from the range between 16-feet and the three-point line and nearly 40 percent from beyond the arc can be special. Markkanen is so hard to defend because he is starting to develop the ability to create looks for himself from almost anywhere on the floor.

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