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Chicago Bulls: Lauri Markkanen Windy City’s rising superstar

By Zain Majeed

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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Lauri Markkanen had taken the league by storm this last February, but this should come as no surprise; he’s a legit superstar talent for the Chicago Bulls.

When talking about the Chicago Bulls in 2019, it’s usually regarding their dysfunction or their blatant tanking. However, a diamond in that rough has emerged, and it’s time to recognize Lauri Markkanen’s potential.

On June 22nd, 2017, the Chicago Bulls committed to a full-on rebuild when they traded their franchise cornerstone, Jimmy Butler, for a trio of young players that included Kris Dunn, Zach Lavine, and the 7th pick that turned into Lauri Markkanen. While it’s an understatement to say that the initial reaction to the trade was grim, things have only gotten better from there.

While Dunn has struggled, he has still been a high energy player who brings it on a nightly basis. Lavine has nicely recovered from his ACL injury, as he’s blossoming into an elite scorer. However, the real gem in that trade has clearly become Markkanen.

Chicago Bulls fans have been made well aware of how gifted he is, especially following his successful rookie season. Now this year, he seems to be on a mission as he’s putting the rest of the league on notice.

After coming into this season with an elbow injury that sidelined him the first 23 games of the season, Markkanen has killed any talk of a sophomore slump. He has clearly rebounded from his injury and has proven his talent is legit, especially in the last month.

Even though the last two games against Atlanta and Indiana have represented a slump for Markkanen, don’t let that distract you from the absolute tear he went on in the month of February. He averaged 26 points per game and 12.2 rebounds, shooting almost 49 percent from the field and 35 percent from three, leading the lowly Chicago Bulls to an impressive (for a tanking team) 5-5 record.

Even after his ridiculous month, there’s still plenty of room for him to grow. He certainly can make a bigger impact on the defensive side as well as continue to improve his efficiency from the three, which is insane considering his production.

Beyond February, Markkanen is still averaging 19.5 points per game and 9.4 rebounds, along with shooting 43 percent from the field and 37 percent from three. He’s making 2.3 threes a game this year, putting him on a historic pace for the season.

Even without the numbers, the immense talent Markkanen possesses is undeniable. When discussing seven-footers who can pull up from 30 feet and put the ball on the deck and take it to the rim, he falls into an exclusive category of players that make up the “unicorn” of bigs, like Kristaps Porzingis and Karl-Anthony Towns.

Early March 2019 NBA Chicago Bulls Mock Draft. light. Related Story

While no comparison may feel right, his growth is on full display and there should be no concern of him slowing down. It’s time to recognize Markkanen has arrived for the Chicago Bulls and is a clear superstar in the making, perhaps even the best young talent in the NBA, but that’s a discussion for another day.

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