Chicago Bulls power forward Lauri Markkanen is auditioning for greatness. After two stellar years in the league Markkanen is looking to take the next step in his young career. Is the seven foot Finn the second coming of Dirk Nowitzki?
Lauri Markkanen was drafted seventh by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2017. Immediately traded to the Chicago Bulls on draft night, Kris Dunn and Zach LaVine were also part of the deal that signalled a rebuild in the windy city. After one impressive year at Arizona, Markannen was ready to light up the NBA.
In his first season the seven-foot Finnish product impressed with 15 points and 7 rebounds. A lot of NBA rookies take a few years to have an impact on their teams, but Lauri impacted his right away. Not only did he shoot 36 percent from three but he dunked all over people and showed a strong handle for his size.
His free throw shooting and rebounding were advanced for his age and at age 19 he was putting the ball on the floor and taking it coast to coast. Though comparisons to Dirk Nowitzki may seem a little premature, first ballot Hall-of-Famer Dirk had a slow start to his career. Only averaging eight points a game in his first season, Dirk then had a similar year to Lauri in his second.
The rare combination of size and skill is what makes Lauri such an intriguing player on this Bulls team. Markkanen’s agility at his size may also mean that he can use his drive game to get to the rim more than Dirk did in his prime.
Though Dirk was a good finisher at the rim early on in his career, as he took on more of an offensive load his finishing around the rim in both volume and efficiency wavered. If he can work on his drive game and run the floor in transition more this will open up his shooting also.
In his second year Markkanen flashed the other components of his game to the basketball world. Putting on bulk in his first offseason he showed improved defense both in terms of quickness and bodying up bigger guys on both ends. He has the length to go at larger players and at around 250 pounds he can now bully teams when they go small at the four or potentially the five.
Injuries affected his availability in year two but when he was given a bigger role he flourished. In 52 games he averaged almost 19 points to go with 9 rebounds. Inside the three-point line he took it upon himself to create his own shot more often. This did limit his efficiency but its important to note that he was trying to grow his game.
Dirk was never an elite defender but he was part of excellent team defenses by playing his role well. Defending well in the post while gobbling up defensive rebounds is key for Markkanen. Dirk’s strength was being active on the boards and playing hard. He was also next to elite defensive center’s which raised his ceiling. Being a tough opponent on both ends is key for Markkanen.
Moving into his third season he has worked hard on his body, this is noticeable in his physical conditioning. After two seasons reduced by injury its key that he plays 70 plus games this year. Like a lot of the Bulls young core, this is the year that the rubber hits the road in terms of team wins. Whether it be improving the record or playing for their next contract, this year is huge for all involved.
Though Markkanen may not be a Hall-of-Famer like his European counterpart Dirk, he has all the tools to be an All-Star or All-NBA player. Having teammates with similar potential will raise his game. For Chicago Bulls fans it all starts this year!