2) Bold predictions for Chicago Bulls PF Lauri Markkanen
Averages more than one steal and one block per 36 minutes for the first time
Markkanen’s presence on the defensive end of the floor always brought mixed results for this Bulls team. In his first three years in the NBA, Markkanen has posted the following defensive ratings (in order from rookie season to last year): 110, 112, 110. And he posted the following defensive box plus/minus ratings (in the same order): -1.2, -1.5, -0.5.
It is notable that Markkanen posted a career best defensive box plus/minus rating last season, and tied his career best mark in defensive rating. His block percentage dropped to below 1.7 for the first time in his career last season, but that was once again largely due to poor usage on that end of the floor by Boylen and his staff.
The good news is that Markkanen could be able to parlay his career best 1.4 steal percentage and -0.5 defensive box plus/minus rating from last season to become a more proficient and well-rounded defender in his fourth year. He should have a more fine tuned role on defense this season compared to last, especially if veteran small forward Otto Porter Jr. remains healthy.
If both OPJ and rookie forward Patrick Williams are healthy and efficient playing at the three (or sometimes the four in a small ball lineup), then it should take a lot of defensive pressure off Markkanen’s shoulders. It’s not out of the question that Markkanen could get at least 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocks per 36 minutes this season, which would be the first time in his career that he’s done so.