Chicago Bulls Dud: Lauri Markkanen
The frustrating season of Lauri Markkanen continued in this one. Markkanen was coming off a very promising performance the game prior where he played a major role in the Bulls bench unit looking like they could be onto something.
That is what makes this showing extra frustrating. It makes no sense to see him play the way he did against the Hawks after shooting 8-10 the game before. That kind of shooting night would give any player an extra bit of confidence in their next game.
Markkanen didn’t have that confidence at all. He only took four shots in just under 27 minutes, making one of them. That resulted in a five-point, five rebound game for the big man. He needs to hit shots for this team to maximize what they can accomplish this season.
In order to hit shots, one must take shots. This game was an absolute dud from Markkanen mentally and physically. Hopefully Donovan gets on the same page with him shortly. If he doesn’t, Markkanen’s Bulls tenure could be coming to a sad ending very soon.
Chicago Bulls Dud: Thaddeus Young
Unlike Markkanen, who has left Bulls fans frustrated quite often this season, this dud is from one of the team’s most reliable players all season. Forward Thaddeus Young, who quite frankly has an argument as this team’s third-best player, dropped a dud against the Hawks.
It was quite surprising to see. Young is a high IQ, versatile veteran that is able to make an impact in a number of ways. Against a vulnerable Atlanta Hawks team, he failed to make an impact in any way. Not what most people would expect from him, myself included.
Young’s three assists were matched by his three turnovers and he wasn’t noticeable anywhere else on the court. He chipped in four points on four shots while also grabbing five rebounds.
Young is an important player on this team if they are going to be winning games. He doesn’t need to dominate but he does need to help out in the multiple ways he is capable of. Both offensively and defensively Young is going to need to play better moving forward.