Chicago Bulls: 3 Takeaways from Arturas Karnisovas’s interview

The “Finn-isher,” (his native country of Finland and his ability to finish around the rim) or Lauri Markkanen, has had a lot of ups and downs this season. He is averaging career highs in many areas but has played just 14 games this season due to COVID-19 protocols and a shoulder injury, which will leave him out past the all-star break.

All of those negative factors did not seem to bother Karnisovas.

“I think the things we met before the season and the expectations we set for him I think he met. Again, before he got hurt he was averaging 19 points and shooting 52 percent from the floor and 40 percent from three. We can’t wait for him to come back and help this team win games,” said Karnisovas via the Chicago Bulls. 

Karnisovas was right again. Markkanen is averaging a career-high 19.1 points per game, 6.1 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game. He’s also shooting career-highs from the field (51.4 percent) and distance (39.6 percent).

However, Markkanen’s injury concerns are affecting his ability to showcase his talent.  Before the season started, the Bulls and Markkanen could not agree on a contract extension and left some tension between the parties. This is the final year of Markkanen’s rookie contract, so this summer he will be a restricted free agent.

The biggest takeaway from Karnisovas is that Markkanen seems to have a good shot at coming back next season. The question remains, at what cost? Markkanen hasn’t been spectacular enough in his ongoing four seasons with the Bulls. If he was, he would have a contract extension. I think the conversation about his return is still open-ended.