Lauri Markkanen's Remarkable Transformation: From Afterthought to All-Star Starter.
Lauri Markkanen Breakout Season Thrills Bulls Fans
In the 2017 NBA draft, the Chicago Bulls made a trade that would send shockwaves throughout the league. They traded away their star player, Jimmy Butler, to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for three young players, including Lauri Markkanen. At the time, Markkanen was considered an afterthought in the deal, overshadowed by the more highly touted prospects, Kris Dunn and Zach LaVine.
However, over the past few years, Markkanen has steadily improved his game and proven his worth to the Bulls. This season, he has taken his game to a whole new level, earning his first All-Star selection as a starter. One of the keys to his breakout year has been his improved shooting, as evidenced by his shot charts.
Analyzing Markkanen's shot charts reveals that he has been given more freedom to create his own shots this season. In previous years, Markkanen was often relegated to catch-and-shoot opportunities, but this season he has been given more opportunities to create his own shots off the dribble. This has allowed him to expand his range and become a more versatile scorer.
One of the most notable improvements in Markkanen's game this season has been his ability to score from the upper paint and midrange areas. In previous seasons, he was primarily a three-point shooter, but this season he has added a new dimension to his game by becoming a threat from the midrange area. This has made him a more difficult player to defend, as he can now score from a variety of spots on the court.
In addition to his improved midrange game, Markkanen has also expanded his range from beyond the arc. While he has always been a good three-point shooter, this season he has been more consistent from a wider variety of spots on the three-point line. This has made him even more dangerous on the offensive end of the court, as defenders must now respect his shooting ability from almost anywhere on the court.
Despite his breakout season, Markkanen still has room for improvement. One area that he could work on is developing his left side. Markkanen has shown a tendency to favor his right side when shooting, which can make him easier to defend. If he can improve his shooting from his left side, he will become an even more dangerous player.
Conclusion:
Overall, Lauri Markkanen's breakout season has been a joy to watch for Bulls fans and NBA fans alike. His improved shooting has made him a more versatile scorer and a more difficult player to defend. If he continues to work on his game and develop his left side, there is no telling how good he can become.
