NBA: What every team should be thankful for in 2017-18

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 13: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates his three point shot to give the Cleveland Cavaliers the lead over the New York Knicks in the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden on November 13, 2017 in New York City.The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the New York Knicks 104-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

5 of 30

CHICAGO, IL – OCTOBER 26: Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls moves against Mike Muscala #31 of the Atlanta Hawks at the United Center on October 26, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Hawks 91-86. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Chicago Bulls

What to be thankful for: Lauri Markkanen isn’t a bust

Can you imagine the backlash the Chicago Bulls would be getting right now if Lauri Markkanen, one of the bigger pieces involved in the Jimmy Butler trade, had been a bust? It would’ve gone down as perhaps the worst trade in NBA history.

Markkanen isn’t a budding superstar by any means, but he’s been one of the top rookies of the 2017 draft class. Markkanen is averaging 17 points and eight rebounds per game this season. If nothing else, he’s proving he’s a playable asset.

Chicago will likely finish the year with one of the five worst records in the NBA, but it could’ve been a lot worse if not for Markkanen’s play.

Home/NBA News