Lauri Markkanen Discussion Thread

[Bullstuff]

Lauri moved out of starting line-up. Discuss.

A good move. Make him work for the starter position for once. What's the worst thing that can happen? He might actually improve?

He was OKish in offense last night with his limited minutes, but did look weak on defense (which probably has some to do with the team's defensive scheme ((and the Warriors' offense)), but you just can't put all the blame on that).

[sco]

https://www.nbcsports.com/edge/basketball/nba/player-news

Lauri Markkanen said after being benched on Monday, "I know I'm a starter in this league. But I’m gonna play my role."
Markkanen came off the bench vs. the Warriors, just the second time in his career that he's played a reserve role. Thaddeus Young got the nod as a starter alongside Nikola Vucevic and it's not a surprise, given that coach Billy Donovan was already benching Markkanen late in games in favor of Thad. Donovan said the decision was to maintain "proper spacing" and rim protection for both units. Even Vucevic agreed with the move, saying, "I think Thad and I, we maybe fit a little better together." It's not ideal for Markkanen in a contract year, and it's unlikely to do fantasy managers any favors -- he played 22 minutes in his new bench role on Monday.

[GetBuLLish]

Honest question: has Lauri ever taken a charge in his career? I don't watch nearly as much anymore, but when I do, I notice numerous instances of Lauri failing to even attempt taking a charge when the opportunity is right in front of him. Happened a couple times last night. Just a completely non-effective player, especially on defense.

[Bullstuff]

Honest question: has Lauri ever taken a charge in his career? I don't watch nearly as much anymore, but when I do, I notice numerous instances of Lauri failing to even attempt taking a charge when the opportunity is right in front of him. Happened a couple times last night. Just a completely non-effective player, especially on defense.

It seems the only player consistently taking charges on the team is Arch. The extremely low number of personal fouls by Lauri speaks volumes.

[ZOMG]

Honest question: has Lauri ever taken a charge in his career? I don't watch nearly as much anymore, but when I do, I notice numerous instances of Lauri failing to even attempt taking a charge when the opportunity is right in front of him. Happened a couple times last night. Just a completely non-effective player, especially on defense.

How many 7 footers do you see taking charges?

I'm absolutely certain NBA coaches would rather have guys this big going straight up when people are driving at the hoop (whether or not Lauri does this well enough is another discussion).

On a more general level - taking a charge now and then is fine, but when you become known for it... that means you're out there actively looking for opportunities to fall on your ass. That's known in some circles as flopping.

In fact, I seem to remember Markkanen did experiment with flopp--- I mean, taking charges - early on in his career, but he never got the calls and the coaches probably told him to cut it out.

[LateNight]

Honest question: has Lauri ever taken a charge in his career? I don't watch nearly as much anymore, but when I do, I notice numerous instances of Lauri failing to even attempt taking a charge when the opportunity is right in front of him. Happened a couple times last night. Just a completely non-effective player, especially on defense.

How many 7 footers do you see taking charges?

I'm absolutely certain NBA coaches would rather have guys this big going straight up when people are driving at the hoop (whether or not Lauri does this well enough is another discussion).

On a more general level - taking a charge now and then is fine, but when you become known for it... that means you're out there actively looking for opportunities to fall on your ass. That's known in some circles as flopping.

In fact, I seem to remember Markkanen did experiment with flopp--- I mean, taking charges - early on in his career, but he never got the calls and the coaches probably told him to cut it out.

Serious question: what is it that YOU would like to see happen with Lauri? How do you think he should be utilized?

[bearadonisdna]

bad move, i thought it was because of injury, wth is going on.

spacing in the 2nd unit? Thats a huge cop out, the fit with vuc should be just fine.

[ZOMG]

Honest question: has Lauri ever taken a charge in his career? I don't watch nearly as much anymore, but when I do, I notice numerous instances of Lauri failing to even attempt taking a charge when the opportunity is right in front of him. Happened a couple times last night. Just a completely non-effective player, especially on defense.

How many 7 footers do you see taking charges?

I'm absolutely certain NBA coaches would rather have guys this big going straight up when people are driving at the hoop (whether or not Lauri does this well enough is another discussion).

On a more general level - taking a charge now and then is fine, but when you become known for it... that means you're out there actively looking for opportunities to fall on your ass. That's known in some circles as flopping.

In fact, I seem to remember Markkanen did experiment with flopp--- I mean, taking charges - early on in his career, but he never got the calls and the coaches probably told him to cut it out.

Serious question: what is it that YOU would like to see happen with Lauri? How do you think he should be utilized?

What does that question have to do with taking charges?

[Mirotek]

Honestly, is Lauri even better than Kelly Olynyk?

[Bandit King]

Lauri is a clown and a sissy and soft the gm will trade him or dump him because other teams use guards to defend him. He is a joke!

[LateNight]

How many 7 footers do you see taking charges?

I'm absolutely certain NBA coaches would rather have guys this big going straight up when people are driving at the hoop (whether or not Lauri does this well enough is another discussion).

On a more general level - taking a charge now and then is fine, but when you become known for it... that means you're out there actively looking for opportunities to fall on your ass. That's known in some circles as flopping.

In fact, I seem to remember Markkanen did experiment with flopp--- I mean, taking charges - early on in his career, but he never got the calls and the coaches probably told him to cut it out.

Serious question: what is it that YOU would like to see happen with Lauri? How do you think he should be utilized?

What does that question have to do with taking charges?

It seems like there are a lot of criticisms of Lauri, and you disagree with most of them (the charges was an example of it).

I’m genuinely interested in knowing how you see him and what you think would be a good way to utilize him on offense and defense?

[MrSparkle]

On top of his natural short-comings, IMO Lauri mailed it in when he didn't get the extension. His nonchalantness in recent press conferences sure suggests it (rather obviously). He's playing a low-risk game, primarily taking his open 3Ps and trying to maximize his FG%. Can you blame him? Bulls were in the middle of being interested in him gambling on himself, or getting maximum trade value, so it leaves a difficult position for everybody. He has to smile and act enthusiastic even though he knows he's out of here. Donovan has to play him even though he's a bad fit with most the core. It's a shame the Wizards refused to send their FRP. Seeing as they're stuck with Westbrook, he wouldn't have been a bad pickup. But it would also be piling a mess of young players in the front-court.

But there are big differences between the ways Lauri and Jimmy "gambled" on themselves. With Jimmy, it was a combination of taking it personally and believing he could hang with the best. I think Lauri knows he's gonna get paid regardless this summer, and he might've had enough of Chicago (primarily Zach, Coby, Pat, etc.), but he clearly doesn't have extreme work ethic and drive. Simultaneously, it's demoralizing and "time to move on" when shiny new toys are coming in and getting promoted while you lag.

Last thing I'll say, is it would be nice to see these guys (inc. Lauri) in post-season action. Playing with stakes in mind, and national eyes on the game. Generally serves as a wake-up call for players who get used to "showing up for their million-dollar work."

[erlim]

Honestly, is Lauri even better than Kelly Olynyk?

In terms of offensive firepower, absolutely. Lauri is way far ahead. On the boards and defensive activity, Lauri is not as good as Olynyk. I reckon if we were just trying to go full tilt in a D’antoni style system; shoot to kill—Lauri and Vuce would be fine-ish. But if we are relying on those two to protect the rim seriously, we will suffer boundless sorrow. Pretty simple. Under BD, I’m sure Lauri’s days in the red and black are numbered.

[FranchisePlayer]

I wonder how different Lauri's Bulls career would have gone if Portis hadn't clocked Niko? It was obvious Niko was getting traded soon, but if BP would have stayed ahead of Lauri in the rotation until that point, maybe the expectations on Lauri don't go through the roof?

Or I could be crazy, and his problem would still be his fragility?

The expectations weren't caused by the fact that he was starting. Unlike PWill, Markkanen actually had a very good rookie season, particularly for a relatively unknown one-and-done big. Fastest in NBA history to 100 made 3pt shots, 33 points in MSG, All-Rookie First Team...

It was unfortunate. Lauri had that unicorn aura with him being a mobile, coordinated, 3pt shooting 7 footer. He was always going to be the starter for us by mid-season. It's a shame because, IMO, we would have been better off sticking with Niko.

I know Niko signed back in Europe, but I wonder if there would be a way to bring him back?

Promise him he can punch Bobby hard in the face without any consequences.

[erlim]

The expectations weren't caused by the fact that he was starting. Unlike PWill, Markkanen actually had a very good rookie season, particularly for a relatively unknown one-and-done big. Fastest in NBA history to 100 made 3pt shots, 33 points in MSG, All-Rookie First Team...

It was unfortunate. Lauri had that unicorn aura with him being a mobile, coordinated, 3pt shooting 7 footer. He was always going to be the starter for us by mid-season. It's a shame because, IMO, we would have been better off sticking with Niko.

I know Niko signed back in Europe, but I wonder if there would be a way to bring him back?

Promise him he can punch Bobby hard in the face without any consequences.

Straight up. My wife is a Spaniard from Barcelona. I was born and raised in Chicagoland. If you asked me to up and move back to Chicago, even with my professional ambitions being better served there, I’d give you a big fat no. Can’t speak for Niko, but if I did, I’d never come back.

[FranchisePlayer]

Mount Rushmore:

Lauri-Doug-Wendell-Tyrus

I reckon if you merged all these guys' strengths in a tube, the resulting "super player" would still be left with bad BB IQ and mediocre handles, and poor defensive awareness. This new tube-baby would move up to the Rudy Gay - Harrison Barnes - Marvin Williams Mount Rushmore.

My biggest problem with Lauri is he just doesn't seem like an intelligent player. Fundamentals. Talent has never translated all that far in the NBA (size and shooting ability, even athleticism) if the fundamentals, IQ and awareness weren't there. Lauri is landing somewhere between Darko and Tim Thomas. He's obviously more coachable and personable than those guys, so he'll find an opportunity like McDermott did in Indiana. But those guys at their peak, they might've become salvageable starters for a few seasons, but hardly did they live up to draft expectations. I don't see a scenario here or there where Lauri becomes the "7-pick we thought he could be." If you remove his 3P ability, he's worse than Felicio by a mile. Tough pill to swallow.

The Hyperbole of the Century.

Yeah, I'll pass that whatever you've been swallowing...

[MalagaBulls]

The expectations weren't caused by the fact that he was starting. Unlike PWill, Markkanen actually had a very good rookie season, particularly for a relatively unknown one-and-done big. Fastest in NBA history to 100 made 3pt shots, 33 points in MSG, All-Rookie First Team...

It was unfortunate. Lauri had that unicorn aura with him being a mobile, coordinated, 3pt shooting 7 footer. He was always going to be the starter for us by mid-season. It's a shame because, IMO, we would have been better off sticking with Niko.

I know Niko signed back in Europe, but I wonder if there would be a way to bring him back?

Promise him he can punch Bobby hard in the face without any consequences.

Chiming in on the Niko quote, that ship has sailed. He is incredibly happy with Barcelona and locked in for another 2 years. IMO it's the case of another EURO who tasted the NBA and didn't really adjust well.

[FranchisePlayer]

Lauri moved out of starting line-up. Discuss.

You can always try anything but that's bound to be a temporary move. 13 points in 22 mins. on 9 shots? As many rebounds as Williams who played 10 mins. more? The Bulls scored 6 threes, Lauri half of them. The Warrios scored 16...

That suuure sounds like a player needing more bench minutes for lack of decent play.

Looks like BD and his nerves cannot seem to cope with the new situation. Some posters included... "let him walk for free" For crying out loud...

[sco]

Lauri moved out of starting line-up. Discuss.

You can always try anything but that's bound to be a temporary move. 13 points in 22 mins. on 9 shots? As many rebounds as Williams who played 10 mins. more? The Bulls scored 6 threes, Lauri half of them. The Warrios scored 16...

That suuure sounds like a player needing more bench minutes for lack of decent play.

Looks like BD and his nerves cannot seem to cope with the new situation. Some posters included... "let him walk for free" For crying out loud...

IMO, Lauri is a good player - certainly starting caliber, but not a top 10 PF. I think his benching is more about not being a good fit alongside Vuc, who also isn't a great defender, and who should be getting more touches on offense. Zach and Vuc are the future and IMO, the right guys to put next to them are glue guys who don't need a lot of shots who are switchable on defense and better defenders. Lauri isn't that sort of player, and our bench would benefit from another scorer. That said, I think Theis is the best option next to Vuc, not Thad. Also, I'd rather try Brown at SF over PWill.

[PaKii94]

In some ways the Vuc trade was a reality check for me for the bulls....but not how the "lauri haters" thought it would go.

In my mind, Lauri was (and is) being held back from where he can be at on offense. My hope was always "these guys are young, they will start realizing how to mesh together and start utilizing Lauri more".

Unfortunately this has never developed. The people who don't like lauri say it's because he doesn't have a go to move, can't create yada yada.

Well now we have a legitimate all star big in Vuc but the same damn trends that happened with Lauri are continuing with him. Obviously Vuc is a higher level player than Lauri currently so he is getting more emphasis than Lauri did off the bat....but it's not enough!!

The only hope/excuse left is "these guys just started playing together. They need some time to figure it out". Well these trends aren't new. I'm worried they won't be fixed with Lavine at the helm. I think Vuc will continue to be mis/underutilized.

Vuc is like Lauri in the sense that he needs utilization on offense to over come his weak but neutral defense (a la lauri). But if he's only being utilized 60-80% then we're not getting all star value from him and putting ourselves in a hole with our defense.

If we are having trouble with utilization with Vuc then I think the hope for Lauri to succeed on this team has run out because he's now an afterthought. I've come to terms with it.

I'm just annoyed that I'll still have the same complaints even though we've technically upgraded.