Pressed into a starting role and big minutes, the rookie has flashed the potential to become Chicago's go-to guy sooner than later.
Their record is 0-2.
They're being outscored by an average of 13.5 points, third-worst in the NBA.
Thanks to a lame-o practice fight, they're down two power forwards.
Nonetheless, things are looking somewhat up for the Chicago Bulls. And for that, you can thank rookie stretch-four Lauri Markkanen.
Pressed into starting duty thanks to the aforementioned tussle between the now-suspended Bobby Portis and the now-healing Nikola Mirotic, Markkanen has flashed the skill set that the Bulls front office believed would soften the blow of losing All-Star Jimmy Butler over the summer.