Chicago Bulls: Post-All Star Break begins with Markkanen versus Embiid

One player’s franchise is headed in the right direction, while the other can only hope his squad can replicate the turnaround.

Lauri Markkanen is beginning his post-All Star break just as he remembers ending it — squaring off against Joel Embiid. The Chicago Bulls will take on the Philadelphia 76ers Thursday night in a matchup that once was incredibly lopsided in favor of the former.

Now, the tables have turned and the Bulls are the underdog as they try and keep a rebuilding project going. The Sixers, on the other hand, are currently seventh in the Eastern Conference and are looking to shock the league as a current playoff team.

While both franchises are in a different spot at the moment, they do have some similarities. For starters, the Sixers compiled a few high draft picks to form their current up-and-coming squad. The Bulls have done the same with Markkanen, Kris Dunn and Zach LaVine.

The biggest and most entertaining similarity between the teams is the fact that they each have very young and versatile big men in Markkanen and Embiid.

Making his first All Star appearance in 2018, Embiid has truly come into his own. He is redefining the big man mantra in the NBA as he proves he can do it all. He’s become an all around great player and is only getting better.

How many 7-footers do you know who can do things like that?

Embiid is having an impressive year thus far, averagine 23.7 points and 11.1 rebounds to go along with nearly two blocks per game. He’s even tossing in three dimes each night for good measure.

Likewise, Markkanen is enjoying a fabulous season as a rookie. He has given the basketball world a similar taste of versatility as a 7-footer.

Markkanen is demolishing any stereotype players of his stature are given. Sure, he’s got a heck of a stroke. But, he can rebound with the best of them and shows great ball control. Markkanen is putting up 15.3 points and 7.7 rebounds per game in 2017-2018.

The Bulls may not be enjoying the season they envisioned, but their future looks bright with Markkanen at the forefront. Giving him the opportunity as a rookie to go out and play significant minutes is something that not every coach does. Give Fred Hoiberg credit.

At 30-25, the Sixers are looking to continue their push toward the playoffs. The Bulls, meanwhile, are simply trying to avoid the label of a second half tank. Either way, Thursday night should be a fun one to watch as these two big men take the court.