Magic Markkanen

Magic Markkanen? The 7ft, #7 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft may be more than magical in his career. If three coincidental numbers ending in 7 don't make you feel optimistic enough, there's more. 

By now you know Jimmy Butler has been traded. The initial deal on paper for a top twenty player (under exaggerating for the JB skeptics), was not quite up to par. To only acquire one extra player or asset in a trade where you're giving up your superstar is concerning. Swapping picks as apposed to receiving a pick out right was unnecessary. All be it the seventh overall pick, in the most recent draft held much more value than most in history. Many have shared their frustrations with the Bulls selection of Markkanen, as Dennis Smith Jr. and Kentucky scoring phenom Malik Monk were also still available. But many a fan has made this mistake before, going back to 1998 when Dirk Nowitzki was drafted by Dallas 9th overall , or just last year when the New York Knicks drafted Kristaps Porzingis 4th overall. The disgruntled fans of the past have been proven wrong about first round, tall shooting European forwards/centers before. I'm here to tell you they're wrong again. 

Lauri Markkanen is currently playing with Finland's FIBA team, where he has already become a legend after just a single game into the current tournament . Lauri led his teammates to an upset victory over France (86-84). He did not start for the Finnish team, but he sure did finish. Scoring 14 of his 22 points in the last four minutes of regulation and into overtime. The Kraken (personal nickname) showed he doesn't waiver in confidence when the game is on the line and a country is on his back. Knocking down multiple clutch jumpers from mid as well as long range to force and control the overtime period.

The positives don't end on the offensive end either. Markkanen showed his timing and athleticism on the boards as well, grabbing seven total rebounds in twenty-six minutes including overtime. Many skeptics have criticized the seven footer for being "soft", while Euro League basketball doesn't possess the physical monsters down low that the NBA does, the NBA has also begun a drastic shift in dynamic. Versatility is the name of the game today, and versatility is what the Bulls first round draft pick brings in all aspects. Lauri not only impressed with his timing on rebounds and blocks (one was negated on a soft foul call), but on his team defensive abilities. Countless times throughout the contest you can find Markkanen protecting the driving lanes, then switching to defend guards in defensive break downs. Forcing several shot clock violations and forced shots from NBA point guard Evan Fournier. The magic man showed he is a far from just a long range shooter but a promising well rounded prospect that Bulls fans should be excited about. 

If you want to watch for yourself Lauri will be playing today  (September 2nd) at noon CT on the WatchESPN app, against a Slovenian team that has top five prospect Luka Doncic playing for their team. It will be a can't miss game with the Bulls potential star facing off against someone the Bulls could be in line to draft next year. Will "Magic Markkanen" lead Finland to yet another victory in this FIBA tournament?