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2017 NBA Draft: Minnesota drafts Lauri Markkanen for the Chicago Bulls

By Carlos Nazario

Jan 26, 2017; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) shoots the ball during the second half against the Washington State Cougars at McKale Center. The Wildcats won 79-62. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 26, 2017; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) shoots the ball during the second half against the Washington State Cougars at McKale Center. The Wildcats won 79-62. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports /
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After their big trade that landed them the 7th pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, the Chicago Bulls picked Lauri Markkanen.

After playing Let’s Make a Deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Chicago Bulls picked Lauri Markkanen out of Arizona.

Markkanen is a 7-foot power forward who averaged 15.6 points and 7 rebounds per game in his freshman season. He played previously in Europe, and the Fin was the highest-rated European player in the draft class.

Markkanen is a Chris Bosh type of player. Even though he is a 7-footer, he is a sharpshooter. He put up 4.4 threes per game in Arizona and buried 42.3 percent of them. He also plays well in

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transition and half-court isolation. He’ll give teams matchup problems around the league. Additionally, he helps spread the floor for his teammates. The Bulls have some players who can shoot well but cannot create their shots. When they are under pressure, they can’t drop the shots. With Markkanen, they get some of that pressure off of them.

With the trade and this pick, the Bulls improved their shooting. They ranked 25th in the league in shooting and 24th in 3-point shooting. Zach LaVine and now Markkanen should help them boost those numbers.

Markkanen will struggle a little on defense. He needs to bulk up a little, as he now weighs 225 pounds. That weight will go up under a professional weight training program.

While Markkanen may struggle defensively early, his offensive ability is something the Bulls sorely need. For years, we saw their defensive abilities kept them in games, but ultimately they could not score enough to be considered real contenders. With Lavine, Markkanen, and Dunn, I think they added to their offense. Perhaps they are finally entering the modern era of the NBA.

Next: Bulls trade Jimmy Butler

The Bulls still have a second-round pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. Let’s see if they add more offensive firepower to the roster.

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