Chicago Bulls: 3 players whose stock rose with Billy Donovan hire

3. Forward Lauri Markkanen

If the Bulls hadn’t found a new head coach, Lauri Markkanen would have been better off on another team. Honestly, I was on the train that said to trade the kid for a while. Under Boylen, Markkanen wasn’t used correctly and actually regressed in his third year.

With Donovan, I’m willing to give Markkanen the benefit of the doubt and see what he can do with a capable head coach.

Coming out of Arizona, Markkanen projected as having a ton of potential as a stretch four. After his rookie season, Markkanen put on a good chunk of muscle and looked to be on his way to a breakout as a sophomore. But, in his third year, Boylen put the clamps on his development.

Without throwing Boylen under the bus, Donovan offered up some excitement when speaking on Markkanen calling him a “unique player with his skillset and ability.”

He’s not wrong. He has a 7-footer with the capability to attack the hoop and score when he wants to. But, under Boylen, Markkanen was essentially told to shoot as many outside shots as he could.

News flash: There was a reason Markkanen worked to get stronger and more physical in Year 2, but Boylen threw it all away.

Under Donovan, I think we see a totally different player. Markkanen should be back to that sophomore type player who, yes, takes a few shots from outside at times. But, he’ll get back to attacking the hoop like he did last season. Markkanen is more suited to go to the basket, and he’s also a much better rebounder than some give him credit for.

Donovan’s leadership and direction will impact Markkanen more than any other player on this current roster. Markkanen could finally show fans exactly what they thought they were going to see this past season. He’s headed for a breakout.