Lakers: Where do Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma rank among the top 10 rookies?

6. Lauri Markkanen

• 14.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists 0.6 blocks, 0.6 steals

Lauri Markkanen has been great in his rookie year and has been one of the best surprises of this NBA Draft class. Markkenen is not a huge sleeper. He was a lottery pick and was selected with the seventh overall pick. However, considering who was selected before Markkanen, he was a great choice for the Chicago Bulls.

Statistically speaking, Markkenen could make the case to be higher up on this list. Initially, I had the Finish power forward as the fifth-best rookie of this class. However, considering Markkanen’s role in the rebuilding Chicago Bulls, it is obvious that his impact is limited. I think the impact the other guys have on their team outweighs Markkanen’s stats.

Still, he has been nothing short of excellent this season. Markkanen has arguably been the second-best power forward of this rookie class behind Kyle Kuzma. I would argue that Markkanen may have a higher ceiling than Kuzma as well. Kuzma is more refined, he is closer to his best form. Markkanen, on the other hand, still has a lot of potential left in him.

The 20-year-old has all the tools to be very successful in the NBA. His shot blocking is good enough, he can get to the basket and he shoots 35 percent from beyond the arc. Markkanen will easily be a 10 rebound per night guy and could develop into a Pau Gasol player mold, with better shooting.