Milwaukee Bucks Game Preview: January 28 at Chicago Bulls
By Adam McGee
Bull to watch – Lauri Markkanen
Flying a little under the radar in the rookie ranks due to the play of Ben Simmons, Jayson Tatum and Donovan Mitchell, Lauri Markkanen is still having a remarkably impressive rookie campaign.
Markkanen is averaging 15.3 points and 7.7 rebounds per game, while shooting 36.3 percent from deep on a high volume of 6.4 attempts per game. Over his last 10, those numbers have even risen further to 16.5 points and 7.9 rebounds with 41.5 percent shooting from deep.
The Finnish native’s size was a known commodity coming out of Arizona, but he’s already shown glimpses of greater awareness, athleticism and speed than many expected.
The Bulls are currently staring down the barrel of a long rebuild, but Markkanen’s strong start to life in the NBA should make it considerably easier.
The Bucks will have to pay the youngster the kind of attention his play to date has commanded when they match up on Sunday afternoon.