Chicago Bulls forward Lauri Markkanen is due for a contract extension. But while he's performed relatively well since entering the NBA in 2017, his recent shooting slump might negatively impact the negotiations.
The 23-year-old Markkanen, however, is not fazed, especially when he also has the support of coach Billy Donovan.
Markannen told KC Johnson of NBC Sports that he's not really focusing on his contract negotiations. Instead, he wants to fix his recent anemic marksmanship.
“I’ve been putting the work in, doing extra work following the game and I know that’s going to change. The shot looks solid in the film I’ve been watching. There are a couple of tricks you can get your balance right and stuff. Mostly it’s been good, so I’m confident.”
After a strong NBA preseason debut after the Bulls’ nine-month layoff, Markkanen has only shot 5-of-25, including 2-for-14 from long distance.
But Donovan, who's in his first year as Bulls coach, is also optimistic that the young forward will eventually find his touch.
“I feel good about the shots. He’s not forcing it. There are some he could probably shot fake a little bit, but for the most part he’s taking pretty good looks. He is seven-feet. He can shoot over a lot of people, so he’s just to keep internally having that confidence that the next one is going to go down.”
Markannen's three years in the NBA have been marred by injuries. But he does have decent career averages of 16.1 points on 43.0 percent shooting and 7.6 rebounds.
Lauri Markkanen will once again be tasked to lead the young Bulls core this upcoming NBA season, along with Zach Lavine, Coby White, and Wendell Carter Jr.
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