Lauri Markkanen Tuesday in the Bulls 122-117 loss to the Brooklyn Nets again demonstrated his legitimacy as an NBA rising star with a career high 19 rebounds.
The NBA officially agreed a few hours earlier in announcing that Markkanen would be among 20 freshmen and sophomore NBA players selected to compete in the annual Rising Stars challenge during All-Star weekend. The Friday night game features the top first and second year players, and it is the second consecutive appearance for Markkanen.
"I'm very happy for Lauri," Boylen said. "He has the respect of the league.