Former Wildcats complete their NBA and G League rookie seasons

Lauri Markkanen – Chicago Bulls

Drafted at No.7 in the 2017-18 NBA Draft, expectations were high for the 7-footer from Finland, Lauri Markkanen. He didn’t disappoint and even set numerous three-point records in his rookie season with the Chicago Bulls. One of those being the fastest in NBA history to make 100 three-pointers. It took Markkanen only 41 games, surpassing the previous record holder Stephen Curry who did it in 58 games.

The final game of the regular season, Markkanen set three more records. He became the latest Bull since Elton Brand during the 1999-2000 season to score 1000 points and grab 500 rebounds in a rookie season. He also surpassed Kirk Hinrich three-pointers made in a single season with 145,  becoming only the third 7-footer to make more than 129 in one season. He’s going to have to change his nickname to the “Record Breaker.”

For the season, he finished 5th in scoring among all NBA rookies. He averaged 15.2 points per game, led his team in rebounds with 7.5 rebounds per game and had 1.2 assists per game. Markkanen shot 43.4% from the field and 36.2% from three-point range.

Markkanen also took part in his first NBA All-Star weekend, where he displayed his skills in the TacoBell Skills Challenge and also was a part of the KickStart Rising Star Challenge.

His season high was 33 points against the New York Knicks, which included eight made three-pointers. At Arizona, Markkanen made 69 threes in his only season, so it comes to no surprise to see him knocking them down in the NBA.

Bulls coaching staff realize how special of a player Markkanen is, starting him every game he played this season. As he plays more and more games, he will have the experience and understanding of what it will take to win. Plus, who knows who the Bulls will pick up in the upcoming NBA Draft. One thing is for sure though. The future is looking bright for Chi-town!