Watch: Lauri Markkanen impresses in NBA Skills Challenge

The rookie proved he could hang with the best of them as a well-rounded big man. 

The Chicago Bulls haven’t had a whole lot going for them this season, but fans have sure enjoyed themselves some Lauri Markkanen. The Finland native out of Arizona has come out in his rookie campaign to really surprise a lot of folks.

Markkanen has been as well-rounded of a rookie big man as the Bulls could have ever asked for. The 7-foot sharpshooter is much more than just a sweet stroke.

He’s been able to prove he can rebound the basketball better than most, averaging nearly eight per game. Markkanen also has above average ball handling skills, and as a guy of his size, that is impressive.

It’s no surprise the former Wildcat found himself center stage during NBA All Star Weekend as part of the Skills Challenge. Markkanen gave his opponents one heck of a run.

In round one, he took on fellow 7-footer Andre Drummond of the Detroit Pistons. Take a look at how quick work was made by Markkanen.

In the second round, Markkanen made it past one of the NBA’s biggest up-and-coming names, Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers. Embiid, like Markkanen, is an extremely versatile and multi-faceted big man.

Finally, Markkanen squared off with Spencer Dinwiddie of the Brooklyn Nets. Ultimately, he would fall in the final round.

Although he didn’t bring home the hardware, the Skills Challenge was a great way to show the national stage that the Bulls do, in fact, have plenty to look forward to in the future. Markannen is a very formidable piece Chicago can build around going forward.

The Bulls can now sit back and relax while watching the All Stars take flight before Markkanen meets Embiid once again, for their first game following the break, this Thursday against the Sixers.