Reaching final 4 just not enough
With four games left, Markkanen dreams of playoffs in 2018- 19
Lauri Markkanen sat at his locker after the Bulls’ victory Tuesday against the Hornets, still feeling a bit empty.
It had nothing to do with his performance during his rookie season nor the Bulls’ three- game winning streak, not even with the fact that he missed 13 regular- season games because of injuries as well as the birth of his first child.
Markkanen’s void stemmed from the finality of it all. No playoffs, no more basketball after April 11.
“Stay confident, go have a good summer after we’re done,’’ Markkanen said of his offseason plans. “Unfortunately, no playoffs this year, so I’ll just try to finish strong and get a head start.
“We’re not happy to be in this position. Hopefully, we’re up there next year. Just gotta work hard in the summer, get the team chemistry going even better.’’
Getting better and improving the team chemistry is all doable, but being a playoff team next season, even in the Eastern Conference, might be a much tougher feat for the core three of Markkanen, Zach LaVine and Kris Dunn.
There are still questions about LaVine offensively and defensively after his return from rehab of his surgically repaired anterior cruciate ligament, even though he did have his moments before being shut down this week.
Dunn, who still needs to improve his jumper, showed that he and Markkanen can be a lethal one- two punch offensively but never got extended playing time with LaVine.
Then there’s Markkanen, who might have the highest ceiling of the three. Seven- footers who can shoot from three- point range and are physical enough to score inside are rare commodities. The Bulls were fortunate to land him.
Markkanen’s strong finish despite the Bulls being out of contention long ago is a testament to his character and talent.
In his last four games, Markkanen is averaging 20.5 points and 6.3 rebounds in just over 25 minutes.
He’s 27- for- 50 ( 54 percent) from the field and 13- for- 25 ( 52 percent) from three- point range.
“Markkanen is obviously shooting the ball really well,’’ coach Fred Hoiberg said. “He’s playing with great purpose. I think our guys are doing a great job finding him right now.
‘‘ Just doing a lot of simple things. Instead of going down and running set plays for him, he’s getting a lot of it just off movement and guys finding him. He’s just really playing efficiently.’’
Markkanen is satisfied because he admittedly hit the rookie wall but seems to have found a second wind.
“I’ve had some bad stretches, but I’m surprised with . . . what is this, game 70- something?’’ Markkanen said. “It’s been a long season, but I wish we had the playoffs.’’
NOTE: The Bulls announced that swingman Denzel Valentine had arthroscopic knee surgery Wednesday morning.
Valentine is expected to make a quick recovery, and he anticipated that he’d be resuming basketball activity in two to three weeks.