Following the Chicago Bulls 114-102 victory over the Toronto Raptors (Takeaways from the game are here), head coach Billy Donovan spoke highly of fourth-year big man Lauri Markkanen.
The question he was responding to was fairly direct in asking if Markkanen is currently “playing for his Bulls life”.
Donovan, on whether Markkanen is "playing for his Bulls life": "I haven’t had any conversations with Arturas or Marc on that. I would just say this: I really, really love Lauri as a player. He’s a great guy. And he has been an incredible teammate. And he has sacrificed a lot."
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) May 14, 2021
While Donovan was obviously going to dance around this type of question as best he could, his response was still very interesting. He went out of his way to support Markkanen as a player, person and teammate.
"“I haven’t had any conversations with Arturas or Marc on that. I would just say this: I really, really love Lauri as a player. He’s a great guy. And he has been an incredible teammate. And he has sacrificed a lot.”"
Donovan also made sure to remind everyone of the sacrifices Markkanen has made over the course of this season. It has been a frustrating season for everyone around the Bulls organization and Lauri has bought into whatever role the coaching staff has asked of him even though he knew restricted free agency was around the corner.
The results were disappointing for both sides, unfortunately. That led to early speculation about Markkanen’s future with the Chicago Bulls and that speculation has only increased as the season has progressed.
What to make of Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan praising Lauri Markkanen
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Donovan’s answer does have a bit of coach speak to it. He could very well know Markkanen’s unlikely to be back next season but there’s no reason to make public statements on anything of that nature at this point in time.
Or, his answer could be a completely accurate representation of how he feels about Markkanen. Only time will tell, though I maintain the stance that a break-up between the former 7th overall draft pick and the Bulls is inevitable. My reasoning has not changed since this piece explaining why Markkanen won’t end up returning to the team next year.
Additionally, the Bulls have needs to fill this offseason that will be much easier to fill with the money it would take to bring back Markkanen. It also seems like the best case for the player in this situation.
Not only would a fresh start be good for Markkanen but a fresh start with a roster he fits better with could jumpstart his career in a big way. If you watch Chicago Bulls basketball you know he is a very skilled player that every so often flashes the skillset that made the team select him in the lottery.
Until there is reason to believe otherwise, I remain confident both sides will be moving on. Donovan could very well like him as a player, person and teammate. That doesn’t mean he will fit with the core pieces the Bulls have moving forward. Not to mention the limitations it puts on his game by playing with a bad fit roster-wise.