The buzz surrounding power forward Lauri Markkanen in his third year with the Chicago Bulls isn’t dying down much, and with good reason. Markkanen had an up and down start to the regular season, but there is still lots of hope held out for him. The showing he had in the regular season opener against the Hornets where he registered 35 points and 17 boards is that reason for hope.
As potentially the most significant franchise cornerstone in the third year of this rebuild in the Windy City, Markkanen is key to the growth of the team. His height and shooting ability could make him a very special player and multi-time All-Star selection. He just has to stay healthy more often than he did in his first two seasons.
Since there was also a number of potential draft busts selected in the top five of the 2017 NBA Draft, Markkanen looks to be a very solid pick. We also have to give this draft class more time to pan out than just less than three seasons. Markkanen is far from developing into the best version of himself in the NBA.
Picking another player that was selected after Markkanen should just be translated as foolish. Markkanen would be deserving of going in the top five if the 2017 draft class were redone today. Point guard Frank Ntilikina (Knicks) and Dennis Smith Jr. (drafted by Mavericks, currently with Knicks) were the next two picks after Markkanen.