Markkanen appears to be enjoying the spotlight of the NBA through his first three games with the Chicago Bulls, as the Finnish forward is nearly averaging a double-double with 16.3 points and 9.3 rebounds per game.Â
Markkanen was forced into a starting role after forwards Nikola Mirotic and Bobby Portis got into a heated altercation ahead of the Bulls' season opener. The former Wildcat standout debuted with 17 points and 8 rebounds at Toronto, then followed it up with his first career double-double against the Spurs.Â
But it was Markkanen's 19-point, 8-rebound performance against LeBron James' Cavaliers that made waves through the league.