Lauri Markkanen

Lauri Markkanen: Chicago’s goal is to get the best version of him next year

Bulls Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Arturas Karnisovas told reporters that “our objective is to get the best version of Lauri [Markkanen] next year. We agreed in conversations that this is our objective, and we’re going to try to do it.”

Fantasy Impact

Markkanen struggled in his third season with the Bulls, relative to his impressive sophomore campaign where he averaged 18.7 points and nine rebounds per game. In 50 games so far this season, he’s seen his averages fall to just 14.7 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. He’s taking 3.5 fewer shots and shooting at a lower clip from the field as well, but Karnisovas doesn’t seem worried about the future prospects for the former 7th overall draft pick. “We’ll set expectations, which are pretty high,” Karnisovas said. “And it’s about improvement.” Chicago seems eager and willing to help Markkanen not only get back to his production during the 2018-19 season, but to also help him improve and become a really good player in this league. These comments by Bulls management bode well for a rejuvenated and hungry player as soon as next season.