One of the most impressive rookies out of this jam-packed first-year class has been Chicago Bulls forward Lauri Markkanen. Markkanen was selected with the 7th overall pick in the NBA Draft back in June and has not disappointed early on. There’s been plenty of chatter around his play, as he’s already shown that he can proficiently spread the floor from his power forward position.
Fans aren’t the only ones who have taken notice of Markkanen’s unique skill set, as future Hall of Famer and NBA legend Dirk Nowitzki also had some high praise for the 20-year-old Finn. Nowitzki compared Markkanen to another special European big, Knicks 3rd-year man Kristaps Porzingis.
When asked about Markkanen following the Mavs 127-124 victory over the Bulls on Friday, Nowitzki said the two share the same high upside (h/t Bleacher Report):
“Really, really good,” Nowitzki told reporters when asked for his first impression of the rookie. “I didn’t know he was really that athletic. He shoots it easy. Can move his feet. Can play above the rim. He’s going to be great for a long, long time. I heard he’s a great kid, he’s a hard worker. It’s amazing all the talent that keeps flooding in from Europe now with [Kristaps] Porzingis obviously coming Sunday.
“This kid has got the same upside. He’s not quite as long as Porzingis, but I mean that offensive game is already very polished. Shoots it with range, seems confident out there. He’s gonna be great for a long time.”
There’s no doubt there are similarities in the games of Porzingis and Markkanen and no one knows more about stretch 4s than Dirk Nowitzki. Nowitzki revolutionized the NBA by being one of the first 7-footers to be a marksman from 3-point distance so this is some of the highest praise Markkanen can get.
Both Lauri Markkanen and Kristaps Porzingis have been shouldering a huge part of their team’s offense this season and each have put up impressive numbers. Though Porzingis may be starting to slow down, the two will look to keep up their overall stellar play as the season wears on.
