The Chicago Bulls have shifted the entire attention of the organization toward a clear rebuild.
One of those building pieces will be rookie forward Lauri Markkanen, who will reportedly miss the first two games of the preseason due to back spasms, according to Vincent Goodwill of NBC Chicago.
Bulls rookie Lauri Markkanen will miss the first two games of the preseason with back spasms. Fred Hoiberg said it's not a long term concern
— Vincent Goodwill (@VinceGoodwill) October 2, 2017
Markkanen began to experience issues with his back late last week as he was forced to leave Friday's practice because of the pain. He is currently listed as day-to-day from the injury, which at this point doesn't draw some serious concern from the franchise.
Article Continues BelowThis temporary absence should provide Markkanen enough time to fully recuperate from the minor ailment well ahead of the start of the regular season. He is expected to become a significant piece to the puzzle in his rookie campaign with the potential to vie for the starting power forward spot.
In his lone season at Arizona, the 20-year-old put together a strong campaign where he averaged 15.6 points on 49.2 percent shooting from the field and 42.3 percent from beyond the arc with 7.2 rebounds per game. This helped him earn a First-Team All-Pac-12 selection along with a Pac-12 All-Freshman team nod.
Lauri Markkanen has shown the ability to stretch the floor with his shooting along with being a viable scorer that could translate well in the NBA, especially with the importance of possessing big men that can stretch the floor offensively with their shooting ability.