Rookie Lauri Markkanen will keep his starting job when Nikola Mirotic is cleared to return, according to K.C. Johnson of The Chicago Tribune. Coach Fred Hoiberg confirmed that decision before tonight’s game. The seventh overall pick in this year’s draft is off to an impressive start, averaging 14.5 points and 7.8 rebounds through his first 11 games.
Markkanen got a chance to start after Mirotic suffered two broken facial bones in a scrimmage altercation with Bobby Portis. With Miotic injured and Portis suspended, an opportunity opened up for Markkanen. “[The situation] gave me a bigger chance right away,” Markkanen said. “But I’m glad to have Bobby back and hopefully Niko back. I have to do my work on the court and prove that I can be a starter.”
Of course Markannen keeps his starting role. Not even Hoiberg is that dumb. Sucks Nwaba isn’t close. Along with Markannen he was one of few bright spots. Blakeney looks like he could be a good scorer, which they desperately need. Zipser and Felicio have regressed quite a bit, have been awful this year. Valentine is a streaky shooter but not much else. Put it all together and they should have no problemo getting a top 3 pick. Not that GarPax will make the right choice. I hope my optimism is coming through here.
Right on all accounts, but given what has happened in the front office, this past year, I get the feeling that Gar has basically just become a GM in name only. My gut tells me Paxson and Doug Collins are the ones making the decisions.