Lauri Markkanen Thread: PG. 13 - KC: Bulls Extend QO to Lauri

[sco]

Lauri's biggest problem is that he didn't/doesn't spend enough time working on actual basketball skills (although I agree about the whole bulking-up thing messing him up). Dude's handles and post moves have not evolved much at all during his time in the NBA. The only thing I saw him add is a drag-step shot. He came in with jumpers and dunks and that's still 95% of his game. Compare that to what we saw from guys like Jimmy and Taj over the years, and the evolution of their games.

[Juso]

Lauri said in his latest interview that he will stay in his hometown in Finland until his team for next season is decided. Well, good for him, his frisbeegolf skills and family relationships. Don’t know about basketball tho..

What he actually said:
https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=fi&tl=en&u=https://yle.fi/urheilu/3-12011417

-this summer he and his family will stay in Finland until he knows his next team, ie likely for around four weeks. Last year he and the family was in Finland for two weeks in June, and then from end of June back home in Chicago until December when season finally began

-during the five months last year (June to December) he was focusing on gaining muscles (as per the Bulls training program he was following), this summer he has not followed Bulls training program anymore but he has a training program spesifically made to him by professional trainers (in USA) not affiliated with any given team, and thus been focusing on gaining speed and agility (and also actually playing hoops daily); during his time in Finland he will do this mostly indoors even though for once the weather in Finland is nice

-he hopes he can find time to play a round or two of Disc Golf with his old friends.

Did they change this part later, as the story does not anymore include the bolded part? The story now says in he end that the summer training part has been altered.

[tsek4]

Lauri's training should focus on becoming a KAT type of player.
Both sides would benefit from a sign and trade deal.
I believe a trade with Kuz would be great for the Bulls and Lauri.

[sco]

Lauri's training should focus on becoming a KAT type of player.
Both sides would benefit from a sign and trade deal.
I believe a trade with Kuz would be great for the Bulls and Lauri.

I wish Lauri the best, and I think we can only hope for a 2nd round pick back for him.

[Swuul]

Did they change this part later, as the story does not anymore include the bolded part? The story now says in he end that the summer training part has been altered.

Seems so. It never said so on the televesied version (now available on Areena), an the story now seems to be strictly based on that TV interview. Should have quoted in full at the time

[Andi Obst]

Lauri's training should focus on becoming a KAT type of player.

Sure. I would also like him to become a completely different, way more talented basketball player. That would be a cool development.

[MGB8]

I wonder if the Cavs would be open to a Sexton for Lauri S&T. Of course, Lauri would have to be willing to go along with that, too.

[madvillian]

I wonder if the Cavs would be open to a Sexton for Lauri S&T. Of course, Lauri would have to be willing to go along with that, too.

I think they would laugh and hang up the phone.

[WindyCityBorn]

Lauri's training should focus on becoming a KAT type of player.
Both sides would benefit from a sign and trade deal.
I believe a trade with Kuz would be great for the Bulls and Lauri.

Become a KAT type player? So basically become a completely different player and significantly better player. KAT is one the most skilled centers in the history of the NBA.

[WindyCityBorn]

I wonder if the Cavs would be open to a Sexton for Lauri S&T. Of course, Lauri would have to be willing to go along with that, too.

I think they would laugh and hang up the phone.

Do they even value Sexton at this point? I really don’t know.

[MGB8]

I wonder if the Cavs would be open to a Sexton for Lauri S&T. Of course, Lauri would have to be willing to go along with that, too.

I think they would laugh and hang up the phone.

Do they even value Sexton at this point? I really don’t know.

I'm sure they have some value on him, but are worried about the contract issue. Meanwhile, I think he'd be a really nice fit, with the exception of his current weakness on defense. But some of that would be mitigated by not playing in an undersized backcourt (no more Garland pairing), and he has the tools to develop defensively. He also has an aggressive, tough mentality and is pretty good at drawing fouls - 6.4 FTA/G (and a decent 52% from 2, good 37% from 3).

[Michael Jackson]

I wonder if the Cavs would be open to a Sexton for Lauri S&T. Of course, Lauri would have to be willing to go along with that, too.

I think they would laugh and hang up the phone.

Do they even value Sexton at this point? I really don’t know.

They do but they realistically are going to have 3 of a similar player after this draft. Garland looks to be the one that is staying and whomever falls to them and they will shop sexton. I think they want something more in return for him though than Lauri who they could sign outright. If you take loves Contract with Sexton they might be willing to talk.

[madvillian]

I think they would laugh and hang up the phone.

Do they even value Sexton at this point? I really don’t know.

They do but they realistically are going to have 3 of a similar player after this draft. Garland looks to be the one that is staying and whomever falls to them and they will shop sexton. I think they want something more in return for him though than Lauri who they could sign outright. If you take loves Contract with Sexton they might be willing to talk.

I don't think the Bulls have any leverage with Lauri. Like, they aren't going to match unless he gets some absurdly low ball offer, so why would any team bother to S&T? That's what I was implying when I'd say they would hangup. I don't even really think Sexton factors into their thinking.

[Michael Jackson]

Do they even value Sexton at this point? I really don’t know.

They do but they realistically are going to have 3 of a similar player after this draft. Garland looks to be the one that is staying and whomever falls to them and they will shop sexton. I think they want something more in return for him though than Lauri who they could sign outright. If you take loves Contract with Sexton they might be willing to talk.

I don't think the Bulls have any leverage with Lauri. Like, they aren't going to match unless he gets some absurdly low ball offer, so why would any team bother to S&T? That's what I was implying when I'd say they would hangup. I don't even really think Sexton factors into their thinking.

Yeah the S&T factor only comes in if Lauri and or another team ask the Bulls to do it. They have zero control over the situation but have a very small percentage chance that they might be able to benefit out of a situation. For the Cavs they have no reason to give up an asset for something they can just go out and get. A Lauri for Sexton trade isn’t the worst trade idea I have seen here, but under these circumstances it is not logical at all.just guessing Lauri isn’t chomping at the bit to go to the Cavs… maybe he is perhaps he really loves the Drew Carey show or something but my gut is they are not high on his list.

[Jiipee84]

They do but they realistically are going to have 3 of a similar player after this draft. Garland looks to be the one that is staying and whomever falls to them and they will shop sexton. I think they want something more in return for him though than Lauri who they could sign outright. If you take loves Contract with Sexton they might be willing to talk.

I don't think the Bulls have any leverage with Lauri. Like, they aren't going to match unless he gets some absurdly low ball offer, so why would any team bother to S&T? That's what I was implying when I'd say they would hangup. I don't even really think Sexton factors into their thinking.

Yeah the S&T factor only comes in if Lauri and or another team ask the Bulls to do it. They have zero control over the situation but have a very small percentage chance that they might be able to benefit out of a situation. For the Cavs they have no reason to give up an asset for something they can just go out and get. A Lauri for Sexton trade isn’t the worst trade idea I have seen here, but under these circumstances it is not logical at all.just guessing Lauri isn’t chomping at the bit to go to the Cavs… maybe he is perhaps he really loves the Drew Carey show or something but my gut is they are not high on his list.

What then if / when Lauri decides that he's ready to take less money
and playoff success comes major factor to find new NBA team? i'm sure Lauri wants to start make playoffs and win.
If that won't happen in Chicago then it happens somewhere-else.

Suns is now playing in NBA finals and they have become championship contender so perhaps Lauri wants to join Suns.
If i'm not mistaken Sarver who owns ( or is he a GM ) Suns has direct contact to NCAA's Arizona Wildcats.
That contact was a major factor on that Suns drafted Ayton 1st overall 2018 NBA draft.

But the question is that is Crowder ever played SF in NBA and what to do with Bridges if Lauri joins Suns.
Because one of Crowder and Bridges needs to go to bench in that situation.

Most have said that how Spurs is likely next team for Lauri.
But how long spurs can make playoffs and what their chances are even succeed in NBA playoffs.

Pope is retirement age and when he retires i'm sure spurs starts a rebuild.
So Lauri would have at least one or two season to play in Spurs before Pope's retiring.
And what is Spurs PG situation and is Patty Mills good passer or is he more score first PG.

And how about some other playoff teams in NBA like Utah, Boston, Philadelphia 76ers, Dallas, Knicks etc
does those team have cap-space for Lauri and does those teams even need him.

[kulaz3000]

Lauri may end up in a Bobby Portis type of situation unfortunately. I can't recall what the Bulls offered him for the extension, I believe it was around the 16 million per year mark? Anyone remember?

But he may have to make do with getting a two year offer like Bobby did, and beyond that, if he doesn't improve he may just bounce around on something around the mid-level for the remainder of his career, because he has really gone past that he is young enough and has lots of potential left phase in his career.

I've always liked Lauri, but I see now way he remains on the Bulls, but I also do wish him success on another team, and I think he still has that chance, but he really needs to start bucking up and playing with more assertiveness.

[Taikuri]

What are the dates when we will know for sure about Lauri's future. Earliest date and latest date?

[Pax for Prez]

What are the dates when we will know for sure about Lauri's future. Earliest date and latest date?

Key Dates with links:

Aug. 2: Teams can begin negotiating with free agents (6 p.m. ET)
Aug. 6: Teams can begin signing free agents (12:01 p.m. ET)
Aug 8-17: MGM Resorts NBA Summer League 2021 (Las Vegas)

https://www.nba.com/key-dates

training camps opening in late September
and the regular season set to begin on Oct. 19.

https://www.nba.com/news/nba-plans-to-start-2021-22-season-in-october

[Taikuri]

What are the dates when we will know for sure about Lauri's future. Earliest date and latest date?

Key Dates with links:

Aug. 2: Teams can begin negotiating with free agents (6 p.m. ET)
Aug. 6: Teams can begin signing free agents (12:01 p.m. ET)
Aug 8-17: MGM Resorts NBA Summer League 2021 (Las Vegas)

https://www.nba.com/key-dates

training camps opening in late September
and the regular season set to begin on Oct. 19.

https://www.nba.com/news/nba-plans-to-start-2021-22-season-in-october

Thanks a lot. So when Aug. 6 hits it should get interesting.

[Taikuri]

There was an interview of Lauri few days ago on a Finnish site. I'm lazy so I'll just translate the page to English and copy paste it for you guys.

- It's nice to be in Finland and see family and friends. A couple of weeks was taken for a break and then we jumped to workouts again, Markkanen describes to Yle Sport.

According to Markkanen, the past season was the most intact of his career, although the minutes were short in the spring.

- After all, this is an old man when experience has come. The head stayed well together despite adversity, 24-year-old Markkanen says.

Markkanen is currently training in Jyväskylä to keep fit. Towards the end of the season, Markkanen's minutes were the smallest, so the physical exertion was not as intense as in previous periods.

- For a couple of weeks, mental recovery is just fine, after a too long break, it is difficult to get back to the training rhythm, Markkanen says.

The summer training program has focused especially on developing speed and explosiveness.

- What else would you do in the 30-degree (celsius) heat when you come to the hall to run lines, Markkanen grins.

Return to the United States only after the team is confirmed
Markkanen plans to return to North America only when next year's team is clear. Markkanen is currently a limited free agent and the club for the coming season is still a question mark.

Markkanen's status means that if another club makes an offer for the man, his current club Chicago Bulls can make a counter-offer on the same terms and conditions and stick to the Finn.

- It's the business side that matters, it's the game pieces in the end. I am open minded wherever I end up, I give my all on and off the field.

Markkanen does not intend to stress his contractual situation, because in his own words, he cannot influence it in any way at the moment. Non-obligation also seems liberating.

- Quite an interesting and fun situation here. Last summer we only had time to be in Finland for a couple of weeks, it was really short. We returned to the United States as early as July and the season only started in December, it had a pretty long preparation process, Markkanen in.

Demand for display is enough - even top statistics are not satisfied
Markkanen finished the season with 13.6 points per match and took an average of 5.3 rebounds per game. The averages are the weakest in Markkanen's four-season NBA career.

On the other hand, the Finn's responsibility was also smaller, especially towards the end of the season. Markkanen dropped out of the starting five with the player deals made in Chicago. The average time of the game was Markkanen's NBA career last season: Chicago had 25.8 minutes per match last season.

However, Markkanen's throw-in percentages were the best in his career and they also hit the goals set by the club management. The Finnish team's throwing percentage was 48 percent, and more than 40 percent of the throws sank from behind the third arc.

- It seems to fall short of the goals, but when it comes to numbers, there are always things that could have been done better, such as rebounds.

- I am still not satisfied with those throwing percentages, I feel that I can do even better, Markkanen emphasizes.

According to Markkanen, the biggest opportunity for improvement is in the free throw percentage (82.6). In it, Markkanen fell short of his career's best seasonal average (87.2).

Lauri Markkanen 5/15/2021
Lauri Markkanen has a challenging season behind him in a Chicago Bulls shirt. Photo: 2021 Getty Images
After a challenging season, Markkanen's display desires are strong.

- That way you can push forward, there is enough motivation for the coming season. Below are a few different seasons, the purpose would now be to get an intact and good season for the belt.

In contract negotiations, the man's desire to go hunting for a place in the starting five also weighs in the horizontal cup.

- Yes, I see myself in that role. Of course, it is the sum of many things and work needs to be done on it, Markkanen emphasizes.

The goal is to reach the playoffs
For Markkanen, the coming season does not matter so much.

- The options are going through, I just want to get to play. Of course, this is rampant outside of the playoffs and that too would be fun to change now.

Markkanen's continuation in Bulls is also still entirely possible.

- I have not yet considered concrete options. No one knows what will happen.

Markkaset will thrive in Finland for at least another month. Outside of training, the purpose is to spend time with the family, grandparents also want to see their grandchildren.

- I try to play frisbee golf with me every now and then, Markkanen suggests.