Pippen Ain't Easy
Fansided

Chicago Bulls: Free agent superstar needed?

By Aaron Peterson

Chicago Bulls (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
Chicago Bulls (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 1: Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls drives to the basket against the Atlanta Hawks on March 1, 2019 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 1: Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls drives to the basket against the Atlanta Hawks on March 1, 2019 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Lauri Markkanen 

Unlike Zach, I do not believe that Lauri Markkanen deserved a spot on the all-star team this season, and many would likely agree with me. However, Lauri has taken a big step forward this season, marking averages of 19.4 points and 9.1 rebounds per game, and has been trending up at a scorching rate.

In the month of February, Markkanen averaged a staggering 25.7 points, 12.1 rebounds in 10 outings. Missing the first 23 games of the season with an elbow injury, Lauri had far from an ideal start to his sophomore campaign. Yet, he has not skipped a beat since returning to the floor, and his exponential growth is very exciting for Chicago.

Lauri has finally started to show something of the utmost importance for all-star caliber players: consistency. He has shown that he can be a 20-plus point scorer on a nightly basis, and at an efficient level. He has always flashed his high-volume scoring potential, but having finally pieced volume and consistency together, his offensive game can be taken to the elite level.

Rebounding was also a concern for Markkanen coming out of the University of Arizona. Although this didn’t seem to be a problem at the professional level in his rookie season, in which he averaged 7.5 rebounds per contest, the ‘Finnisher’ has managed to take his rebounding ability a step higher in his sophomore season.

With Lauri continuing to make noticeable improvement every night he takes the floor, Bulls fans have a ton to be excited about. Though he may not have been in the conversation as an all-star this season, Lauri is sure to turn some heads and draw some consideration for next year’s event.