It’s Not Just HOW You Use Lauri Markkanen, It’s WHEN

As the regular season rolls on, Jim Boylen’s stubbornness (with respect to his offensive scheme) continues to plague … well, the entire Bulls roster, but probably Lauri Markkanen the most. We discussed as much earlier this week.

In short, Boylen has successfully identified, but less successfully implemented some legitimate league trends this season, failing to tailor otherwise proven concepts to the actual skillsets of his players. However, Boylen’s categorical misuse of Markkanen, in particular, is not the only thing preventing that highly-anticipated step forward this season. It’s also the timing and flow of Markkanen’s game (vis-à-vis Boylen’s scheme).

Part of what Markkanen had to say after last night’s win over the Timberwolves got me thinking:

“If I get a couple looks early and I happen to make them, they got to end up guarding me differently. Then I’m going to have a drive to the basket, and I think I have a lot more options than just if I’m spotting up in the corner or anything like that. So I think it opens up the game a lot, not just for me. But I think the way they have to help on me, then it creates space for other guys too.”

As you would’ve rightly expected, a more-involved, more on-the-move Markkanen (particularly coming off ball screens) resulted in clearly improved production throughout the night (21 points, 6 rebounds, 42.9% from the field) compared to the rest of his season. But perhaps equally important – not only to Markkanen’s success, but the success of the Bulls writ large – is getting him involved this way early and often.

By doing so, as Markkanen points outs, an opposing defense is forced to guard him differently, which opens up his game and the options for Chicago. And, hey, if that naturally creates more opportunities for him to spot up for some corner threes, then GREAT. That can (and should) be a happy byproduct of a more tailored offensive approach, not the singular goal of the scheme to begin with.

And this is a fairly tested hypothesis, at least with respect to Markkanen.

In February of last season, Markkanen played like the most confident player on the court, averaging 26 points and 12.1 rebounds per game. And while I know Bulls fans too often point to this month in support of Markkanen, there are questions to ask and lessons to learn from that dominance. For example … was he scoring earlier than normal that month? And if so, does that support his self-assessed keys to success?

To find out, I took a look at Markkanen’s first and second quarter stats during that (very productive) stretch from last season and compared the data against this (less productive) overall 2019-2020 campaign. Take a look ….

February 2019:

1st Quarter: 6.1 attempts, 5.8 points avg.
2nd Quarter: 3.0 attempts, 5.4 points avg.
First-Half Totals: 9.1 attempts, 11.2 points average

This Season:

1st Quarter: 3.6 attempts, 4.0 points avg.
2nd Quarter: 2.8 attempts, 4.2 points avg.
First-Half Totals: 6.4 attempts, 8.2 points average

Now, OF COURSE, there are going to be some abnormalities when you’re comparing a small, one-month batch of data to a much larger season-to-date sample – to say nothing of underlying numbers just generally looking better when we already know the production was high during that period – but I still think there’s something here.

Last February, Markkanen averaged 6.1 attempts and 5.8 points in the first quarter, compared to just 3.6 attempts and 4.0 points this season. That’s a significant drop. And the trend holds true in the second quarter and first-half, in general (just look above for specifics). In other words, one of the most successful stretches of his career was defined by more early attempts and more early points. And by contrast, this more disappointing season is defined by the opposite.

Obviously, that’s not an exhaustive dive into the data and there could be a bit of results-bias baked into that, but it’s an interesting start, right? Especially given how it lines up with his own comments after last night’s game.

To put a bow on it for now: If Markkanen is not only used better (i.e. taking advantage of his size, mobility, and versatility (not only his outside shooting prowess)), but also used early and often, the combined effects of that gameplan could leave us with something closer to the production we saw last night or last February than anything else we’ve seen this season.

If it sounds elementary, that’s because it is. The multiplier effect on a player’s production is simple but real. And in Markkanen’s case, it could be as easy as (Get him on the move) x (Use him early). The way the opposing defenses go about guarding him thereafter can open up opportunities for the rest of his game, even those spot-up, corner three’s over which Jim Boylen obsesses.

And, hey, if it’s exactly what he’s asking for, maybe we should listen.

Eli Schuster Contributed to this post

(Eli: I’m putting Michael on blast, because he totally hijacked this post from me. If you hate it, well, it’s his fault. If you love it, well, it was my idea!)

written by

Michael Cerami began covering the Chicago Cubs for Bleacher Nation as a part-time contributor in 2015. One year later, he joined Bleacher Nation full-time, covering the Chicago Cubs and Major League Baseball. Today, Michael runs Bleacher Nation, contributing as a writer (Cubs, MLB) and an editor for all sections of the site, including the Chicago Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks, as well as MLB, NBA, NHL, and NFL. In 2019, Michael was the co-host of NBC Sports Chicago's Cubs Post-Game Show Outside the Ivy. You can find him on Twitter/X @Michael_Cerami

more bulls news

OH MY: ANTHONY EDWARDS JUST HAD THE BEST DUNK OF THE YEAR

Anthony Edwards has done it again. The emerging Minnesota Timberwolves superstar jammed the most impressive poster dunk of the season against the Utah Jazz on Monday night. Pushing the pace in transition during the third quarter, Edwards passed the ball...

Damian Lillard Pulled Up to Watch the Bulls Play the Trail Blazers

Damian Lillard wants to be traded to the Chicago Bulls confirmed. The Milwaukee Bucks All-Star starter was a surprise guest at the Chicago Bulls' Monday night game. Lillard made the drive down from Milwaukee for an opportunity to sit courtside...

Pre-Gamin’: Portland Trail Blazers at Chicago Bulls (7:00 CT), Projected Lineups, How to Watch, More

Tough week ahead, can't lose this one. https://twitter.com/chicagobulls/status/1769695253408198745?s=20 Game Info Portland Trail Blazers (19-48) at Chicago Bulls (34-35) – 7:00 p.m. CT on NBC Sports Chicago (TV) and 670 The Score (Radio) Projected Starting Lineups Chicago Bulls Ayo Dosunmu Alex Caruso DeMar...

Bulls Weekly Preview: Trail Blazers, Rockets, Celtics – March 18-24

At the end of the day, I'm pretty sure a 2-2 effort last week was about what most expected from the Bulls. How they got there, however, wasn't exactly the most conventional of routes. But, hey, nothing is really ever...

This Might be the Most Alex Caruso Stat Ever …

Alex Caruso’s name should already be written down on All-Defensive First Team ballots – in pen.  The Chicago Bulls’ guard joined the prestigious club for the first time during the 2022-23 season. While the team as a whole struggled to...

LeBron James and JJ Redick’s New Podcast Actually Sounds Great

While it sure feels like everyone and their mother has a podcast these days, LeBron James’ new venture with former NBA sharpshooter JJ Redick sounds worthwhile.  The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand was the first to announce the new podcast titled “Mind...

Another Must-Win, Bulls Bracket Ideas, Defensive Drop Off, Happy “I’m Back” Day, and Other Bulls Bullets

Pssh, the Chicago Bulls have been bringing the Madness since October! March Madness is among the best stretches in the sports calendar every year. Not only do we get to spend hours staring at our brackets and pretending we know...

Injury Updates on Coby White and Alex Caruso Ahead of Game with Portland

The Chicago Bulls could be without two starting backcourt players against the Portland Trail Blazers. The latest official injury report puts both Coby White and Alex Caruso's availability for Monday night into question. Of course, White has been sidelined since...

WATCH: Kyrie Irving Beats Nuggets At The Buzzer for Epic 107-105 Win

Between the conference tournaments wrapping up, the Players Championship's amazing conclusion, and some awesome NBA matchups it's been a phenomenal Sunday of sports viewing. With all that was on, if you didn't have the Nuggets and Mavericks game on you...

Dosunmu’s Growth, Vucevic’s Too-Small Celebrations, Bulls Announcers Get Tricked, and Other Bulls Bullets

The Chicago sports world was rocked by some massive news on Saturday night: The Chicago Bulls won a game by 29 points! The Chicago Bulls did what they were supposed to against the league-worst Washington Wizards. Normally, that wouldn't be...

Latest News

OH MY: ANTHONY EDWARDS JUST HAD THE BEST DUNK OF THE YEAR

Anthony Edwards has done it again. The emerging Minnesota Timberwolves superstar jammed the most impressive poster dunk of the season against the Utah Jazz on Monday night. Pushing the pace in transition during the third quarter, Edwards passed the ball...

De’Aaron Fox Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Grizzlies – Monday, March 18, 2024

To beat his 3-point prop, De'Aaron Fox must make three from beyond the arc on Monday, when his Sacramento Kings face the Memphis Grizzlies, tipping off at 10:00 PM ET.De'Aaron Fox's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the GrizzliesDe'Aaron Fox's over/under for...

Malik Monk Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Grizzlies – Monday, March 18, 2024

Will Malik Monk make three 3-pointers when the Sacramento Kings face the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday at 10:00 PM ET? If so, he'll beat his prop for the game.Malik Monk's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the GrizzliesMalik Monk's over/under for three-pointers...

Bogdan Bogdanovic Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Lakers – Monday, March 18, 2024

At 10:30 PM ET on Monday, it'll be the Atlanta Hawks against the Los Angeles Lakers, with Bogdan Bogdanovic needing three trifectas to beat his 3-pointer prop.Bogdan Bogdanovic's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the LakersBogdan Bogdanovic's over/under for three-pointers in this...

Anthony Davis Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Hawks – Monday, March 18, 2024

The Los Angeles Lakers face the Atlanta Hawks at 10:30 PM ET on Monday, and one of the 3-pointer over/unders available for this clash requires just one make from Anthony Davis.Anthony Davis' Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the HawksAnthony Davis' over/under...

Dejounte Murray Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Lakers – Monday, March 18, 2024

To beat his 3-point over/under, Dejounte Murray must make four from downtown on Monday, when his Atlanta Hawks face the Los Angeles Lakers, tipping off at 10:30 PM ET.Dejounte Murray's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the LakersDejounte Murray's over/under for three-pointers...

D’Angelo Russell Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Hawks – Monday, March 18, 2024

To beat his 3-point over/under, D'Angelo Russell must make three from beyond the arc on Monday, when his Los Angeles Lakers play the Atlanta Hawks, starting at 10:30 PM ET.D'Angelo Russell's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the HawksD'Angelo Russell's over/under for...

LeBron James Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Hawks – Monday, March 18, 2024

To beat his 3-point over/under, LeBron James needs to make three from downtown on Monday, when his Los Angeles Lakers face the Atlanta Hawks on Monday at 10:30 PM ET.LeBron James' Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the HawksLeBron James' over/under for...

Finally, a Team Wanted the Reigning NL Cy Young Winner

The rumors all wound up being true: Blake Snell would take a two-year deal in the $60 million range, the Giants were probably the favorites now, and the pressure was on to get something done. Per Jon Heyman, it two...

Damian Lillard Pulled Up to Watch the Bulls Play the Trail Blazers

Damian Lillard wants to be traded to the Chicago Bulls confirmed. The Milwaukee Bucks All-Star starter was a surprise guest at the Chicago Bulls' Monday night game. Lillard made the drive down from Milwaukee for an opportunity to sit courtside...

more bulls news