Markkanen named to All-Rookie First Team

In an unsurprising announcement, the NBA head coaches have placed Chicago Bulls newcomer Lauri Markkanen on the NBA All-Rookie First Team.

What a way for Markkanen to celebrate his 21st birthday, which happens to be today. The budding Finnish superstar will have another reason to drink tonight....

Markkanen, last year’s 7th pick in the draft, averaged 15.2 points and 7.7 rebounds in his rookie season. He was also the fastest player in NBA history to reach 100 career 3-point field goals, accomplishing the feat in just 41 games.

What impressed most observers this season about Markkanen was his versatility. Coming out of college, everybody knew he could shoot the ball. But he quickly stripped the slow-footed, soft, non-athletic European prospect stereotype that accompanied him prior to the draft with good rebounding, stout interior defense, an ability to handle guards on the perimeter defensively, and a comfort putting the ball on the floor.

After probably the best rookie season from a Chicago Bull since Derrick Rose, it’s difficult to not be excited about what the future holds for Markkanen.

Below is the full voting for the first and second All-Rookie teams: