Chicago Bulls: Lauri Markkanen to be an All-Star sooner, not later

With the way Lauri Markkanen has progressed for the Chicago Bulls in just his first season, could he push to make an All-Star team sooner rather than later?

When the NBA’s annual Rising Stars Challenge takes place in Los Angeles during All-Star Weekend, expect Chicago Bulls big man Lauri Markkanen to feature prominently in it.

The hot-shooting rookie forward has proven in his limited time in the league that he has the potential to become a true star. In fact, it’s not too bold to say he’s exceeded all expectations that most Bulls fans had for him when the team drafted him eighth overall.

I mean, I did say he had big-time upside after the pick, but I didn’t know we’d be seeing it taking shape so soon.

Obviously, the raw numbers speak volumes about what he’s done in a general sense. He’s averaging a very solid 15.5 points per game on 43% shooting (36.3% from 3-point range) to go with 7.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 0.6 blocks.

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Plus, he typically makes two or more 3s a game, which helped him become the fastest player to hit 100 3-pointers in his career.

But more than that, his demeanor and versatility give him the ability to develop into a top-15 player, something people might not have said to start the season.

Even when he’s not raining 3s on people, he impacts the game in so many other ways: bringing effort on the defensive end to challenge shots and stay with people, hustling on fastbreaks, putting the ball on the floor and attack the rim, fin(n)ishing strong at the rim and taking on superstars with no fear.

He’ll even go toe-to-toe with the greatest shooter of all time and win a few battles. Bottom line: even as a rookie, he commands respect from opponents and people around the league.

And while he won’t win Rookie of the Year this year in such a crowded field, everyone will get a look at him in the Rising Stars Challenge. That much I can guarantee.

And maybe that could be a step toward Markkanen representing the Chicago Bulls at the All-Star Game soon.

He certainly looks like the type of player who will eventually earn that honor, even in the eyes of the reigning NBA champions. And if he stays healthy and hones his game, especially his interior scoring, passing and defense, he could swiftly become one of the game’s best young big men.

Next: Lauri Markkanen draft reaction

Combined with an eventual turnaround for the Chicago Bulls (fingers crossed), Markkanen could become a perennial All-Star. And if the Bulls make a playoff push next year, he could start knocking on that door sooner than expected.

One thing is for sure: the Chicago Bulls deserve a ton of credit for taking a chance on him. Even in a rebuilding year, he has given Bulls fans plenty to look forward to.