For a player labeled as a shooter, Lauri Markkanen has a funny ability to lead a fast break. Or score with his left hand inside. Or post up.
Yes, with defenses still crowding Markkanen near the 3-point line, the promising rookie continues to show an all-around versatility that has Bulls management and coaches excited for what's to come.
Markkanen said on Wednesday night the Raptors "were switching a lot so we tried to get the ball inside. I can score many ways. I'm working on (my post game) all the time. So I feel pretty confident."
Indeed, Thursday's 22-point, 12-rebound outing closely mirrored his season for shot distribution. Eight of his 17 attempts against the Raptors were from 3-point range. On the season, Markkanen has attempted 227 2-pointers and 225 3-pointers. He's shooting 49.3 percent from 2-point range and 34.2 percent from 3-point range.
"When teams are switching, with his ability to punish down low, we have to be able to find him and continue to go at it when we've had success with it," coach Fred Hoiberg said. "He is showing stepback 3s off the bounce. His midrange shot is really good. And his post game is improving by the day.
"I give our coaches a lot of credit for his skill development that he has continued to show, adding to things as defenses play him differently."
Markkanen said this season is playing out similarly to his lone college season at Arizona.
"Early in the season, it was just like here," Markkanen said. "I scored more on the perimeter. Then I went inside more. It balanced out as the season went on."
And he's looking forward to an offseason of weight training after this summer got swallowed up by his Finnish national team commitment.
"When I get stronger, I can get to my spots easier and finish easier around the rim better," he said.
