Lauri Markkanen No Longer an Option For New York After Injury
With the New York Knicks struggling once again and dreams of the play-offs in the rear view mirror the team will be sellers this trade season. With a treasure trove full of veterans on 1 year deals, young assets and Uhaul truck full of picks the Knicks are going to have options. Unfortunately for the Knicks, one of the best young options suffers an untimely injury.
As the February 6th trade deadline continues to creep closer and closer, one potential trade target for the Knicks suffered a big injury. The Chicago Bulls’ Lauri Markkanen will be out for the next 4-6 weeks with a pelvic injury. Lauri Markkanen has been banged up all season, first suffering an oblique and ankle sprain before the most recent blow.
The probability of the Bulls moving Markkanen were always low, but there were signs of life. The Finnish forward broke out in his second season averaging 18.7 points and 9 rebounds per game last year. Markkanen’s third season has disappointed given the expectations.
Markkanen is averaging a career low 15 points and 6.4 rebounds per game this season, with the lowest efficiency of his career as well. While the drop in production could easily be attributed to nagging injuries, there is believe it could be a new offensive system that is weighing down the young star.
"“I don’t feel that way,” Head Coach Jim Boylen said before the Bulls’ 111-98 lose to the Milwaukee Bucks. “This system was installed and I worked on this system last year and this summer because I think it fits who he is.”"
Boylen may feel this way, but the numbers show a different story. As K.C. Johnson from NBC Sports Chicago points out 53% of Markkanen’s attempts this season have come from beyond the arc. A 11.5% raise from last season.
“Yeah, I think I can do a lot of good things besides just shoot threes,’’ Markkanen said. “Haven’t really been able to do that lately. Just have to figure out the way I can attack the rim more and get to the free-throw line. I need to figure out my spots.”
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If the Bulls were open to trading Markkanen the Knicks could have put together an enticing offer. With young pieces such as Kevin Knox, Dennis Smith Jr. and Allonzo Trier, along with a surplus of picks, a trade could have realistically been drawn up. The Bulls also sit 2.5 games back from the play-offs and could’ve looked to acquire a win-now player such as Marcus Morris Sr. or Julius Randle.