Lauri Markkanen took some of the blame for the Chicago Bulls' lackluster record at the halfway mark of the 2019-20 season.
Following a 113-101 loss to the Boston Celtics, the third-year forward owned up to his share of the responsibility for the Bulls' 14-27 mark:
“I don’t know what to say. I’ve had my moments. But obviously, I expect more out of myself,” said Markkanen, according to K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago. “I’m disappointed with myself because if I played at a higher level, we’d probably have more wins.”
The Arizona product is averaging a tenth of a point fewer per game (15.1 points) compared to his 15.2-point average in his rookie season, one that he mustered in under slightly less minutes per game (29.7 to 30.1 minutes in 2019-20).
Asked if he could make more of an impact with more shots or time on the floor, Markkanen said that's the intent:
“That’s our system now,” he said, noting he had to watch film of games in which he's had a big impact, asserting he needed to rebound more. “I always look in the mirror.”
Markkanen got off to a sluggish start to this 2019-20 season, looking like he had lost his shot. While the averages have leveled out by the halfway point of the season, there is little indication that he has improved as a player, averaging fewer points, rebounds, and blocks than his rookie season in the league, as well as shooting less efficiently from all three levels.
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