Chicago Bulls: Lauri Markkanen becomes much more valuable if he can play center
If he can play a stretch five for the Chicago Bulls, Lauri Markkanen has a chance to be a big-time NBA asset.
I must admit, when the Chicago Bulls drafted Lauri Markkanen with the seventh overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, I was instantly disappointed. The Bulls opted for Markkanen, a seven-footer who can shoot the ball well but does little else, over the likes of Dennis Smith Jr. and Malik Monk.
Smith was the player who I was hoping the Bulls would draft. He has the raw ability and upside to be a legitimate number one option on a contending team. Markkanen is a nice player, but he simply does not have that kind of upside. I still believe Smith would have been the better player, but we are where we are. Markkanen is the guy and we have to move forward.
A seven-footer who can shoot from the outside fits the modern game extremely well. However, if the Bulls are going to get the most out of Markkanen, he has to be able to play the five, at least in spurts.
Playing five will be key
Having a stretch four is great, but they are much more common in today’s NBA. They simply are not as valuable as they once were. That being said, a legitimate stretch five who can hit shots from the outside while also competing on the boards and protecting the rim on the defensive end is incredibly valuable.
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Markkanen clearly has the ability to stretch the defense. In his only season at Arizona, the seven-footer shot an impressive 42.3% from behind the arc. His strong 83.5% free throw percentage also suggests a smooth, natural release.
Markkanen is a smooth shooter who does a fantastic job of knocking down shots off of the catch. He is a big-time weapon in the pick and pop game. If nothing else, his ability to hit outside shots gives Markkanen a safe floor in the NBA
However, lacking ideal length, athleticism and strength, Markkanen did not show the ability nor aggressiveness to play five in college. He was not much of a rebounder and did not pose any threat as a shot blocker, even at seven-foot tall. If Markkanen is going to play five at the next level, he needs to be able to rebound and protect the rim at least adequately.
Bulls have confidence
In the press conference introducing Markkanen, Kris Dunn and Zach LaVine to the media on Tuesday, Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg mentioned his confidence in Markkanen’s ability to play the five.
"“His ability to stretch the floor and I think play both front line positions is where this league is going,” Hoiberg said. “With his ability to shoot it, his ability to play-make, put the ball on the ground. He’s a sneaky athlete.”"
Markkanen himself also thinks that he is up for the job.
"“I’m really comfortable doing both (playing both the four and the five,” Markkanen told reporters. “I’ve played all five positions during my whole life. I started as a guard and last season playing as a five, I am really comfortable doing both.”"
Honestly, I hadn’t even thought of the possibility of Markkanen playing center for the Bulls. Based on what we saw from him at Arizona, I expected him to come in and be exclusively a stretch four, meaning the Bulls would always have to play him next to a traditional big. However, Hoiberg’s comments have me interested. If nothing else, it is nice to see Hoiberg interested in trying something like this.
If the Bulls can go small by using Markkanen at the five, even if it is just in small spurts, they are going to be a more dangerous team going forward. Letting Dunn handle the ball and spacing the floor with four legitimate shooters around him is a recipe for success.
Next: Why Kris Dunn could break out with the Bulls
I am still hesitant to believe in Markkanen’s ability at the five. He is going to have to get much tougher and find a more well-rounded game in order to make this work. That being said, the idea of it being possible alone, has me much more excited for his upside in the NBA.