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Chicago Bulls: 5 reasons resting Lauri Markkanen right move

By Andrew Miller

SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 17: Robin Lopez #42 and Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls look on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on March 17, 2019 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 17: Robin Lopez #42 and Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls look on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on March 17, 2019 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – MARCH 23: Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls shoots the ball against the Utah Jazz on March 23, 2019 at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – MARCH 23: Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls shoots the ball against the Utah Jazz on March 23, 2019 at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. No need for additional injury risk

The main point for some top stars around the NBA resting for long stretches of time encircles the importance of longevity in today’s game. Markkanen and LaVine are just two cases for the Chicago Bulls as to how important those two pieces of this franchise will be for the significant future. It seems like the front office and coaching staff bought into LaVine lately.

A huge impact for LaVine’s scoring outburst he had after the All-Star Break also helped open up the floor for Markkanen. Throughout the entirety of the 2018-19 season, Markkanen and LaVine played well off each other. Both also had some injury issues down the stretch that aren’t worth making any worse.

Really the only player that there should be an argument for coming back into the lineup for the Bulls this season is Dunn. Since Markkanen and LaVine are recooping from issues that could linger into the future if improperly handled now, sitting them down makes a lot of sense. But, Dunn is suffering from a turf toe injury and could come back this season if his recovery goes well.

Moreover, this franchise seemingly has bought into the idea of building this franchise around the trio that is Carter Jr., Markkanen, and LaVine. Dunn still needs to prove himself to some degree that he is worth the risk that comes with holding onto him for the significant future. If Markkanen played through these fatigue issues, it could hamper his development with this team heading into the summer.

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