Lauri Markkanen has not looked like himself to start the season, and there now appears to be a legitimate reason why.
Chicago Bulls coach Jim Boylen told the media on Tuesday that Markkanen has a sore oblique and has been been playing through it for the last two weeks, per KC Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago. Johnson also says that Monday was the first time that the team disclosed the issue.
The 22-year-old Markkanen has regressed from last season, putting up 14.9 points and 7.4 rebounds per game on a mere 38.5 percent from the field and 27.9 percent from deep through the Bulls’ first ten games.
Considering that Markkanen also missed significant time last season, his injury history, especially at seven feet, may quietly be becoming a concern.
