The negatives have rightly been pored over, but for the sake of all Chicago Bulls‘ fans mental well-being, let’s put our mourning on hold to focus on some of the potential positive effects of Lauri Markkanen‘s injury.
Jabari Gets Cozy
The player most immediate player to benefit from Markkanen’s absence will be new acquisition Jabari Parker. Many bemoaned the idea of the defensively challenged Parker squeezing into the small forward position, but it looks like Parker can put that obstacle off for a couple months or so.
Beyond any defensive factors, though, I think that the opportunity for Jabari to head into his first season as a Chicago Bull playing the position that he seems most natural at—the power forward spot—is maybe the best way possible for him to slide into the team without a hitch.