Chicago Bulls rookie Lauri Markkanen had the unfortunate assignment of starting this season as the lone healthy representative from the team’s landmark Jimmy Butler trade. Neither Zach LaVine nor Kris Dunn began the season healthy, meaning that it was Markkanen’s responsibility to help shape the early opinion of a deal that was viewed largely in favor of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Since then, all the seven-footer has done with the first three weeks of his NBA career is earn praise from LeBron James, set an NBA three-point record and prompt his coach to say he has the makings of a superstar.
Markkanen, the No. 7 pick, is one of a handful of rookies who don’t seem scared of the stage. He’s second behind Ben Simmons among rookie scorers at 16.3 points per game and is shooting 38% from the three-point line on more than seven attempts per game. He became the first player in NBA history to can 10 three-pointers in his first three games, and it happened to come against James’ Cleveland Cavaliers.
“Very confident,” James said. “Watched him a lot at Arizona. He wore my shoes a couple times. He actually did. He wore my retros. I liked that.”
Markkanen has a quick trigger, high release, good instincts and has seized his chance in Chicago. He’s all but forced coach Fred Hoiberg to keep him a starter despite Bobby Portis' impending return from suspension for punching fellow teammate Nikola Mirotic. He’s also one of the reasons this rookie class has a chance to be special.
Below are USA TODAY Sports’ early rookie rankings, as voted on by Sam Amick, Jeff Zillgitt, AJ Neuharth-Keusch and Michael Singer.
1. Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers: 18.0 ppg, 8.2 apg, 9.8 rpg
After a year of anticipation, the former No. 1 overall pick has delivered on his early promise. Although he's still learning to trust his jumper, Simmons' feel for the game is evident with his smooth passing. His 8.2 assists are sixth in the NBA, and among those ahead of him, his 3.4 turnovers per game are the second fewest.
2. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics: 14.3 ppg, 1.9 apg, 6.5 rpg
The Celtics rookie was thrust into a more prominent role as a result of the Gordon Hayward injury, and the 19-year-old hasn't seem fazed by the transition. Tatum doesn't force shots — he doesn't have to with the plethora of double-digit scorers on the Celtics — and he's taking advantage of plenty of open space created from the offense. He's shooting 53% from the three-point line, sixth in the NBA.
3. Kyle Kuzma, Los Angeles Lakers: 15.4 ppg, 1.4 apg, 6.3 rpg
Who knew that Kuzma, not Lonzo Ball, would be the Lakers' best rookie three weeks into the season? The Lakers appear to have found a steal with the No. 27 pick, acquired via the Brooklyn deal. Kuzma's a smooth offensive player, equally capable of gliding to the rim and finishing or knocking down outside threes. He plays like a heady veteran who has rightly taken some burden (and shine) off his more publicized teammate.
4. Lauri Markkanen, Chicago Bulls: 16.3 ppg, 1.3 apg, 9.0 rpg
Bulls fans are still trying to settle on a nickname for the Finnish star, but coach Hoiberg's excitement is obvious.
"The kid has no fear," Hoiberg said. "He's growing every game. He's a student of it. He wants to watch film, and he's a humble kid. He has all the qualities to be a superstar in this league."
5. Donovan Mitchell, Utah Jazz: 13.5 ppg, 2.4 apg, 2.3 rpg
Mitchell's had his fair share of off nights and his shooting percentage isn't quite there (37%), but the Jazz rookie is fearless. He's offset three games with just two points each with three others of 28, 25 and 22, respectively. Mitchell's a crafty scorer and a deceptive dribbler and perhaps the most fun player to watch in this class.
