After a very promising game one in Charlotte, Lauri Markkanen has been almost a non-factor for the Chicago Bulls. Should this be cause for concern for the forward?
Throughout his career, Chicago Bulls power forward Lauri Markkanen‘s biggest flaw has been his lack of consistency. He has shown flashes of Dirk Nowitzki-level play, but has also had games where he can fall off the face of the Earth. These flashes of greatness are what have lead the Bulls to believe that he is going to be a star player for this team, and rightfully so.
However, with the Bulls looking to make their first real playoff run since the Jimmy Butler era, consistency from star players is a must. Perhaps the most important factor in a star-level player in the NBA is that they do not take nights off. These types of players are ones that can go and put up consistent numbers at the highest level without question.
Although Markkanen has been able to produce in spurts for the Bulls, but has yet to do it over an extended period of time.The cold, hard truth is that the Bulls will not make the playoffs or go anywhere significant in the future if Markkanen is unable to play consistent basketball.
Bulls fans have been able to witness what happens when Markkanen is able to play with some consistency. Recall the month of February 2019, where Lauri was playing hands down the best basketball of his career. Over this ten-game stretch, Markkanen was able to put up unreal averages of 26 points, 15.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists on 49 percent shooting from the field. Lauri was absolutely dominant that February, leading the injury-riddled Bulls to a 5-5 record that month.
Imagine what this team would be capable of if Lauri were to play with this kind of consistency considering the veteran additions made this summer, improvement of young players, and the team being generally healthy.
Aside from the season opener in Charlotte, Lauri has relied heavily on the three pointer for his scoring. At times, Lauri is seemingly unstoppable from deep and can use this shot to punish the defense for leaving him with too much room. However, he has been far too dependent on the three point shot this season.
In his February 2019 stretch, Markkanen was able to post outrageous numbers while shooting a mere 30.4 percent from range. These numbers show that although the deep ball is a phenomenal tool that Markkanen has in his arsenal, he is better off using it as a supplement than relying on it all the time.
An additional quality of a star player is being assertive even when they are in a slump, which Markkanen seems to struggle with. Being able to recognize when you are cold is a great quality in a player, but as a lead scorer, Lauri has to assert himself more. Even if he is not shooting the ball well, he cannot hold himself under fifteen shots per game. Lauri is too valuable of an offensive piece not to have the ball in his hands as often as possible.
Lauri has been somewhat disappointing so far this season, however, the season is only four games in. He is a great player who more than likely will end up being a star in the near future.
However, if the Bulls want to get into the postseason, Markkanen must start playing consistent 20 point 10 rebound basketball at an efficient rate. Due to the fact that the Bulls are a fringe-playoff team, each and every game counts. By no means are Lauri or the Bulls doomed, but he needs to start playing at a consistently high level rather than in spurts.