Markkanen Chasing Consistency
After a hot stretch during the month of February. Lauri Markkanen will look to turn the best month of his career, into consistent play next season.
The Bulls enjoyed their best month of the season winning 6 out of 10 games. In 4 of those games, Markkanen scored 30 or more points. In 8 of those games, the Finnisher recorded a double-double. The month of March hasn’t been as kind to Lauri as he has only reached the 20+ point mark in 2 out of the 13 games played so far this month, both being games that went into overtime. Maybe a mere coincidence, but his level of play has suffered, after cutting his hair.
Photo: nba.com
Now it’s not out of the ordinary for a player to go through a shooting slump during the course of a season. So there is no huge call for concern here as Lauri is still only 21 years old and in just his 2nd season. He also missed training camp and the first 23 games of the season due to an elbow injury. So some up and downs were to be expected. A positive sign is that Markkanen has expressed that he hasn’t lost any confidence during this rough patch. Learning how to be productive, and being able to help your team in the midst of a slump, will be a valuable lesson for Lauri to learn.
Learning this lesson early on, not only will benefit Lauri but the Bulls organization as well. Lauri has the ability to affect the game, even when his shot isn’t falling. By rebounding the ball well, he can effectively end an opponents possession or give his team a 2nd chance to score. Driving to the basket more, when his outside shot is not falling, and unleashing his patented drag step jumper, could create opportunities for Lauri to get to the free throw line, or create for his teammates with the spacing his drive would create.
Photo: nba.com
Overall this season, Markkanen is averaging 18.9 points, up 3.7 points from last season, and 9 rebounds, 1.5 more than last season. His shooting percentages of 43.3 percent and 36.2 percent from 3-point range are identical to last season. With the Bulls announcing that Markkanen will be shut down for the remainder of the season. Lauri will have to wait until next season to prove that he can consistently put his fingerprints on games, and make things easier for his teammates. Markkanen’s play will be a huge factor for the Bulls if they are to develop into a team that will reach the postseason. Lauri’s hot stretch in February will have to become the norm on a nightly basis for The Finnisher.
Photo: @clutchpoints
All signs point to him being up for the task. As he has stated “I’m just trying to do my work every day,” he said, “and just be a good teammate and try to be a leader.”
Head coach Jim Boylen plans to visit with Markkanen in his native country in Finland, during the off-season. As player and coach continue to develop their bond, they will also work on the growth of Markkanen’s game. Which will prove to be good news for the Bulls, next season, and beyond?
Photo: NBA.com, @clutchpoints
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