Chicago Bulls: 4 players that have completely disappeared of late

Lauri Markkanen, PF

There might not be a more inconsistent player in an inconsistent role this season for the Bulls than fourth-year power forward Lauri Markkanen. The former Arizona Wildcats big man and seven-footer Markkanen hasn’t found any traction over any sustained period of time for the Bulls frontcourt rotation this season.

Markkanen had some good stretches with the Bulls since the conclusion of the All-Star Break, but he hasn’t done well in the last few games. Since getting moved to the bench, the production from Markkanen was anything but consistent. And that rings especially true when newly acquired center Daniel Theis is taking up a lot of minutes.

It almost seems like there’s no way that the Bulls’ new front office regime makes sense of bringing Markkanen back next season. He’s currently in the midst of the final year of his rookie contract.

In 14 games played in which he was a reserve this season, Markkanen averaged nine points per game, 4.5 rebounds, one assist, just shy of no steals and no blocks. And he shot 56.3 percent from the field, 50.0 percent from beyond the arc, and 87.5 percent from the free-throw line.

While the shooting percentages from Markkanen of late are nothing to complain about, the rest of his production is. In the loss to the Grizzlies on April 12, Markkanen registered zero points, seven rebounds, two assists, no steals, no blocks, and three turnovers. He missed on all three attempts from the field and one from beyond the arc.