Lauri Markkanen Selected to All-Rookie First Team
The Finnisher received one helluva birthday present as he earned 2017–2018 NBA All-Rookie First Team honors the same day he turned 21 years old. The NBA announced both All-Rookie First and Second Team selections this afternoon. Lauri Markkanen received 76 of a possible 100 First Team votes, joining Donovan Mitchell, Ben Simmons, Jayson Tatum, and Kyle Kuzma. Markkanen and the other All-Rookie Team members headlined one of the best rookie classes the NBA has ever seen.
Lauri Markkanen was more than deserving of a First-Team selection after a historical season where he became the fastest rookie in NBA history to make 100 three-pointers. Markkanen “The Markksman” broke the Bulls’ franchise record for most three-pointers made in a season by a rookie with 145. He also became just the fourth player in Chicago Bulls history to score 1,000 points and 500 rebounds in his first NBA season. Markkanen’s season was defined by impressive production and memorable moments. Perhaps the most memorable moment was when he blocked Steph Curry’s shot right back into his face:
With each game, Markkanen’s growth as a player and person was evident. Despite many detractors, Lauri quickly became a fan favorite in Chicago. Over the course of 68 games this season, he averaged 15.2 points and 7.5 rebounds. As demonstrated by the block above, Markkanen proved not only did he belong in this league, he will become a force in this league. His ability to stay in front of Steph Curry, prevent a three-point attempt, and track Curry all the way to the hoop for a block was special. Markkanen disproved the common misconception that European players are soft time and time again.
Another memorable moment was Markkanen’s debut at Madison Square Garden against the Knicks on January 10th. Lauri became just the second seven-footer to make eight three-pointers in a game, joining future Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki. He finished the night with a career high 33 points while effectively defending Knicks star Kristaps Porzingis. Porzingis had just 24 points on an inefficient 11-of-24 shooting while Markkanen led the Bulls to an overtime victory. A victory that revealed Chicago has a unicorn of their own. Lauri capitalized his performance by obliterating Enes Kanter with a vicious dunk:
The Finnisher could finish. Who knew? Throughout the season he displayed a remarkable variety of skills on offense and a switching ability on defense almost no NBA scout could have foreseen. Markkanen shot 36.2 percent from three-point range — good enough to match the NBA’s league average for the 2017–2018 season. However, his 84.3 free throw percentage is a telling sign that his jump shot will undoubtedly become more lethal in the future.
Markkanen logged 20 or more points in 15 games as a rookie, proving he can be a go-to scoring option. The budding star recorded 14 double-doubles, with a career high 17 rebounds against the New Orleans Pelicans on January 22nd. Markkanen recorded at least one block or one steal in 46 of his 68 games, further disproving the narrative that he’s a one-dimensional player. Need more evidence? Enjoy nine minutes of Lauri Legend highlights from this season:
Chicago will look to pair another talented young player with Markkanen and the rest of the Bulls core next month at the 2018 NBA Draft. Regardless of what happens during this year’s draft, Chicago knows they got an A+ last year. The Finnisher. The Markksman. Lauri Legend. Regardless of what you call him, the Bulls have themselves a special player who will continue to do special things. Bulls fans can’t help but be thrilled for Chicago’s future with Lauri Markkanen.
