The Chicago Bulls traded Jimmy Butler during last June’s draft for Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn, and the draft rights of seventh overall pick Lauri Markkanen. While the two former Minnesota Timberwolves players have already showcased their talents in the NBA, many are not familiar with the Finnish center, and think that the Bulls got shortchanged in the deal. However, they may have already known something back then, which will explain why they eventually agreed to deal away their franchise player.

Markkanen has been playing incredible basketball so far in the ongoing EuroBasket tournament. Despite getting injured in their previous game, still suited up against Poland and once again starred. The 7-foot big man single-handedly forced two overtime sessions, before leading his team to victory, according to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune. He also recorded an impressive stat line, which allowed him to average 24.3 points so far in the competition.

“Markkanen posted 29 points and nine rebounds, continually making big plays down the stretch of Finland’s 90-87 triumph. Trailing by five with 50 seconds left in regulation, Finland watched Markkanen force a 5-second violation, sink three free throws after getting fouled on a 3-pointer, steal the inbounds pass and force the first overtime with a dunk. The 7-footer then forced the second overtime when he dropped in a fadeaway jumper after a smaller defender switched onto him in the post.”

“Markannen, who is averaging 24.3 points against stellar competition, then had six points, three rebounds and a block in the second overtime.”

The 20-year-old has made it possible for Finland to emerge as one of the surprise teams of the tournament. They currently have a 2-1 record, and are geared to advance out of Group A, and make it to the next round. They even pulled off an upset against powerhouse France, which turned a lot of heads and got a lot of attention to the Finnish team, especially on Markkanen.

If the Arizona product can continue his stellar play in his NBA rookie campaign, the Bulls can prove that they have the steal of the draft. More importantly, Lauri Markkanen can help speed up his team’s rebuilding, by helping them win more games, and even make it back to the playoffs sooner than expected.