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

[E-DC]

Lauri's best attribute is his three-point shooting. In this three-point shot jacking league that can be replaced. If Lauri leaves what really are the Bulls losing? It's not defense, ball handling, play-making, or rebounding.

Exactly and Vucevic for his career has been a better 3pt shooter and also has the ability to rebound better and play in the post.

Other options for the 4
Patrick Williams can play some 4 while we 3 guard line up with ball lavine and rose/coby maybe even ayo proves to be nba ready sooner than we think

Willy hernongomez
Noah vonleh for depth
Zach Collins might be ok to take a flier on
And again theis is not off the table.

Again a lot of defensive bigs. AK likely thinking the same way which is why we are tied to Mcgee.

This past season Vucevic shot 40% from 3. This was his 10th season in the league. Before last season he averaged about 33% from beyond the arc.

[ZOMG]

As posted in other places. Least of our issues. There will be a ton of cheap bigs we can pick up who could give us production comparable to lauri and theis and even thad. Getting bigs is the least of our issues. I agree with with front office direction of spending more of that money in the back court/depth in the wings.

My choices are bringing back taj Gibson and Robin lopez. I'm also good with javele Mcgee nerleans Noel and hassan whiteside.

I agree that the money should be spend on getting PG but the problem is that if BOTH Theis and Lauri will go, then bulls need someone to play PF with Vuc, defensive and big, because Vuc is what he is. They need backup C too since that was either Lauri or Theis. Just saying that there are two players in the market that could come, but can choose to go elsewhere, really isn't making the problem go away. I wouldn't put my money on Robin Lopez coming back to anywhere near Bulls after what happened here.

I said my choices are those 2 but I have posted about 10 more players who will be available for cheap. Looking also at other teams especially contending teams, most of them have too many bigs as we speak and the nets who need bigs can't grab everybody. Reason I didn't really want to post any names because I knew the nitpicking on each name would begin but considering our place in the standings last season, we can't possibly be too worried about losing most of this roster. This roster needs a new look imo only players we need to prioritize are Vucevic lavine and Patrick Williams with a short leash on coby. Other then that I don't mind hauling all these guys out. We have exceptions to utilize to fill our roster out. I'm just not one who believes we are losing that much value. I like theis but I won't cry if we got another direction and I been over lauri.

You’re prioritizing players who’ve never won anywhere and had a huge part in the Bulls having another very disappointing end to the season.

The problem with this team isn’t the role players. The problem is that we’re treating two role players as untouchable stars. As long as that doesn’t change, the Bulls won’t go anywhere.

[coldfish]

Lauri's best attribute is his three-point shooting. In this three-point shot jacking league that can be replaced. If Lauri leaves what really are the Bulls losing? It's not defense, ball handling, play-making, or rebounding.

If you look around the league, its amazing how much better the shooting has got. Nowadays, 3p shooting isn't a bonus, its practically a requirement. 157 players shot 38% from 3 and played 500 minutes last year. A decade ago it was half that.

Guys who can hit an open 3 are really common. You have to do something other than that to be a significant contributor.

[weneeda2guard]

I agree that the money should be spend on getting PG but the problem is that if BOTH Theis and Lauri will go, then bulls need someone to play PF with Vuc, defensive and big, because Vuc is what he is. They need backup C too since that was either Lauri or Theis. Just saying that there are two players in the market that could come, but can choose to go elsewhere, really isn't making the problem go away. I wouldn't put my money on Robin Lopez coming back to anywhere near Bulls after what happened here.

I said my choices are those 2 but I have posted about 10 more players who will be available for cheap. Looking also at other teams especially contending teams, most of them have too many bigs as we speak and the nets who need bigs can't grab everybody. Reason I didn't really want to post any names because I knew the nitpicking on each name would begin but considering our place in the standings last season, we can't possibly be too worried about losing most of this roster. This roster needs a new look imo only players we need to prioritize are Vucevic lavine and Patrick Williams with a short leash on coby. Other then that I don't mind hauling all these guys out. We have exceptions to utilize to fill our roster out. I'm just not one who believes we are losing that much value. I like theis but I won't cry if we got another direction and I been over lauri.

You’re prioritizing players who’ve never won anywhere and had a huge part in the Bulls having another very disappointing end to the season.

The problem with this team isn’t the role players. The problem is that we’re treating two role players as untouchable stars. As long as that doesn’t change, the Bulls won’t go anywhere.

Find it ironic that you want to speak to players not winning anything but want us to worry about lauri

But now your pivoting to another subject this not about the ceiling for a lavine and vuc pairing. This is about the importance or lack thereof of a lauri and he not that important. He can go.

[the ultimates]

Lauri's best attribute is his three-point shooting. In this three-point shot jacking league that can be replaced. If Lauri leaves what really are the Bulls losing? It's not defense, ball handling, play-making, or rebounding.

Exactly and Vucevic for his career has been a better 3pt shooter and also has the ability to rebound better and play in the post.

Other options for the 4
Patrick Williams can play some 4 while we 3 guard line up with ball lavine and rose/coby maybe even ayo proves to be nba ready sooner than we think

Willy hernongomez
Noah vonleh for depth
Zach Collins might be ok to take a flier on
And again theis is not off the table.

Again a lot of defensive bigs. AK likely thinking the same way which is why we are tied to Mcgee.

This past season Vucevic shot 40% from 3. This was his 10th season in the league. Before last season he averaged about 33% from beyond the arc.

This is true but let's look at the numbers. The first six years of his career he didn't even average taking one three-point shot attempt a game. In the last four seasons, his volume and percentages have been better. https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/v/vucevni01.html

[E-DC]

You’re prioritizing players who’ve never won anywhere and had a huge part in the Bulls having another very disappointing end to the season.

This is what should give every Bulls fan pause. On paper Lavine looks good, on paper Vucevic looks good, and on paper Lonzo looks good, but outside of one season where Orlando ended two games above .500 none of these players have been on a winning team. And all three have played pivotal roles. The same goes for Lauri too.

Now I'm certainly more inclined to stick with Lauri, because at this stage I would view all of these players more as assets than anything else, and I seriously doubt we're going to come out looking good in any sign and trade. I also have always assumed the $20 million dollar rumor to be pure bs, though many on this board take the rumor as gospel.

[E-DC]

Exactly and Vucevic for his career has been a better 3pt shooter and also has the ability to rebound better and play in the post.

Other options for the 4
Patrick Williams can play some 4 while we 3 guard line up with ball lavine and rose/coby maybe even ayo proves to be nba ready sooner than we think

Willy hernongomez
Noah vonleh for depth
Zach Collins might be ok to take a flier on
And again theis is not off the table.

Again a lot of defensive bigs. AK likely thinking the same way which is why we are tied to Mcgee.

This past season Vucevic shot 40% from 3. This was his 10th season in the league. Before last season he averaged about 33% from beyond the arc.

This is true but let's look at the numbers. The first six years of his career he didn't even average taking one three-point shot attempt a game. In the last four seasons, his volume and percentages have been better. https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/v/vucevni01.html

So if I remove his first six seasons, than before last season his percentage was about 34%.

[the ultimates]

This past season Vucevic shot 40% from 3. This was his 10th season in the league. Before last season he averaged about 33% from beyond the arc.

This is true but let's look at the numbers. The first six years of his career he didn't even average taking one three-point shot attempt a game. In the last four seasons, his volume and percentages have been better. https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/v/vucevni01.html

So if I remove his first six seasons, than before last season his percentage was about 34%.

I'll take that with his passing ability, plus being able to score in the post and force double teams. When Lauri has been out of the lineup injured how many times have you thought man we miss his three-point shooting.

[the ultimates]

You’re prioritizing players who’ve never won anywhere and had a huge part in the Bulls having another very disappointing end to the season.

This is what should give every Bulls fan pause. On paper Lavine looks good, on paper Vucevic looks good, and on paper Lonzo looks good, but outside of one season where Orlando ended two games above .500 none of these players have been on a winning team. And all three have played pivotal roles. The same goes for Lauri too.

Now I'm certainly more inclined to stick with Lauri, because at this stage I would view all of these players more as assets than anything else, and I seriously doubt we're going to come out looking good in any sign and trade. I also have always assumed the $20 million dollar rumor to be pure bs, though many on this board take the rumor as gospel.

Then tell me what winning players are available and who the Bulls should prioritize? Guys like Lowry, Derozan, Conley would possibly fit the bill but they are likely at the point's in their career where they want to play for contenders and the only way to entice them is with a massive overpay. The Bulls shouldn't do that whether they had cap space or not.

If people want to blow it up and trade Lavine and Vuc chances are you aren't getting any established winning players. If you sign young players like Ball chances are they haven't been a winning player yet.

[E-DC]

This is true but let's look at the numbers. The first six years of his career he didn't even average taking one three-point shot attempt a game. In the last four seasons, his volume and percentages have been better. https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/v/vucevni01.html

So if I remove his first six seasons, than before last season his percentage was about 34%.

I'll take that with his passing ability, plus being able to score in the post and force double teams. When Lauri has been out of the lineup injured how many times have you thought man we miss his three-point shooting.

Very often.

[sco]

ZOMG, are you staying with us or going with Lauri when he goes? Love your passion - hope you stay.

Any actual thoughts on the content of my post?

You were little over 99,9% right.

I disagree a bit with you guys. I'm not a Lauri fan, as you know, but I'm not a hater. I saw him go from a guy who was, IMO, a 4th quartile starter to a third quartile starting PF - mainly on improved defense. I don't want us to keep him. Here's why:

1) While being a decent 3pt shooter. He's not great. I think he's better in a basket facing role (like KD) but he's streaky, and lacks the ability to shoot over smaller defenders (unlike a KD), despite the fact that he isn't getting blocked. He'll also routinely miss open 3's.

2) He is also historically not very durable. I see that continuing.

3) He is inconsistent. He'll have a couple of great games, and then disappear for the next two. I think he lacks aggressiveness and his confidence waivers after a bad game.

4) But my biggest thing is that really hasn't added much to his game over his seasons here. I did see him add a drag-step, which was nice, but for a guy who logged the number of seasons and NBA minutes, he seems to be content with his game and being who he is in the NBA.

I look at the opportunity cost for those $ and minutes and would rather invest them on somebody else. That person may not end up being as good, but there's a chance he will become an elite player, and that's what I think we need.

[the ultimates]

So if I remove his first six seasons, than before last season his percentage was about 34%.

I'll take that with his passing ability, plus being able to score in the post and force double teams. When Lauri has been out of the lineup injured how many times have you thought man we miss his three-point shooting.

Very often.

Really? The Bulls were ninth in three-point percentage last season and Lauri was a part of that. However, for a guy who missed 31 games and who, this season shot a career-best from three you would think his absence would have a worse effect on the team percentage which it clearly didn't.

[jump]

If AK can pull off the moves that the rumors are pointing at, we could have the following line up. As has been discussed, AK is a big fan of multi-position players. This lineup is flush with that. It also plays to BD's strategy of using 3 guard lineups. And it will feature 5 players with PG experience. I don't know the fate of Theis, Thad, Sato, Lauri and Aminu, but at the very least, losing them could add depth. Frankly, I'm really excited.

Vuc, McGee, Theis
Theis?, PWill, ?
PWill, Lonzo, TBJ, Temple?
Zach, White, Ayo
Lonzo, Rose, Ayo

[E-DC]

I'll take that with his passing ability, plus being able to score in the post and force double teams. When Lauri has been out of the lineup injured how many times have you thought man we miss his three-point shooting.

Very often.

Really? The Bulls were ninth in three-point percentage last season and Lauri was a part of that. However, for a guy who missed 31 games and who, this season shot a career-best from three you would think his absence would have a worse effect on the team percentage which it clearly didn't.

The stretch of games he was out due to injury/COVID protocol coincided with the Bulls playing against predominantly weak competition. When he was a starter and playing, he did most of his damage against the tougher competition. So yes, I preferred seeing him out on the floor. If you didn't miss him that's fine, but you asked for my preference.

[the ultimates]

Very often.

Really? The Bulls were ninth in three-point percentage last season and Lauri was a part of that. However, for a guy who missed 31 games and who, this season shot a career-best from three you would think his absence would have a worse effect on the team percentage which it clearly didn't.

The stretch of games he was out due to injury/COVID protocol coincided with the Bulls playing against predominantly weak competition. When he was a starter and playing, he did most of his damage against the tougher competition. So yes, I preferred seeing him out on the floor. If you didn't miss him that's fine, but you asked for my preference.

So 31 games he missed were all against weak competition? Your preference is your preference but the actual numbers tell a different story.

[Louri]

NBA is league where D doesn't really matter and 3 point shooting is now everything. For a guy who shot 40% from 3 last season.. Lauri is pretty hated around fans.

[sco]

NBA is league where D doesn't really matter and 3 point shooting is now everything. For a guy who shot 40% from 3 last season.. Lauri is pretty hated around fans.

I think many here aren't Lauri fans because they had high hopes for a guy who had a nice rookie year, but didn't really improve from there, but see him wanting to be paid like he did.

[Guru]

Is it possible that keeping Lauri, starting him at the 4, gives us both our best starting 5 and our best return on Lauri?

[sco]

Is it possible that keeping Lauri, starting him at the 4, gives us both our best starting 5 and our best return on Lauri?

If Lauri came back, I'd rather play him at the 3 and PWill at the 4...semantics, but.

[E-DC]

Really? The Bulls were ninth in three-point percentage last season and Lauri was a part of that. However, for a guy who missed 31 games and who, this season shot a career-best from three you would think his absence would have a worse effect on the team percentage which it clearly didn't.

The stretch of games he was out due to injury/COVID protocol coincided with the Bulls playing against predominantly weak competition. When he was a starter and playing, he did most of his damage against the tougher competition. So yes, I preferred seeing him out on the floor. If you didn't miss him that's fine, but you asked for my preference.

So 31 games he missed were all against weak competition? Your preference is your preference but the actual numbers tell a different story.

He missed 21 games and not 31. I said predominately and not all. During the first stretch he missed, two team were under .500 and five were above. Though Dallas played without Doncic and Porzingis, and the Lakers were without Davis. It was the second stretch that I was mainly thinking about. During that stretch 9 of the teams ended the season under .500 and four ended above. That was that fools gold period for the Bulls when we went 8-5.

But the fact is, as a starter, Lauri played his best against the tough competition. That's the story the numbers show.