Bulls' Markkanen tried to keep level head against LeBron James
LeBron James talked at length about Bulls rookie Lauri Markkanen following Tuesday's game in Cleveland.
James mentioned that he stayed up late a few times to watch Markkanen play for Arizona last year and noticed the 7-foot Finland native wore his brand of Nikes.
Markkanen talked about LeBron after the game and continued Wednesday at the Advocate Center.
"That was a dream come true," Markkanen said of playing against James. "He was my favorite player growing up and getting to go against him, he's a pretty tough guy to guard."
Markkanen had a rough "welcome to the NBA" moment involving James in the fourth quarter. With the Cavs needing a basket in a close game, James called for a screen so he would get switched onto Markkanen, then took the rookie to the basket. Like many players facing that challenge, Markkanen didn't do well.
"I'm trying to compete out there. Tried to get a stop and didn't get it," he said. "It still feels surreal playing against him, but you don't think about it during the game."
Asked if he could relate to Markkanen's experience with James, coach Fred Hoiberg proved quick on his feet.
"Well, I think LeBron had that same kind of thought when I guarded him that first time," Hoiberg joked.
Hoiberg recalled his first match up with Michael Jordan in a preseason game, so he does relate to being star-struck.
"You understand pretty quickly they don't care who you are," Hoiberg said. "They're not going to back down. But Lauri has had some great matchups early on in this process going back to New Orleans, when he had (Anthony) Davis and (DeMarcus) Cousins. Having to play against LaMarcus Aldridge and Pau (Gasol) in the San Antonio game, and then Cleveland throws so many different combinations at you."
Following the NBA wasn't easy in Finland, Markkanen confirmed.
"There's not much, because the times of the games were like 3 or 4 a.m.," he said. "Mostly highlights. When I woke up, I might have watched some, but mostly highlights and Finals."
Felder states case:
Kay Felder produced 13 points and 4 assists in 16 minutes against Cleveland. When Kris Dunn returns from a dislocated left index finger, the Bulls may try to keep the 5-9 point guard in the rotation.
"We'll see how it continues," coach Fred Hoiberg said. "Kay, the one thing he can do on this roster is he can get downhill, he can create his shot, he can make a tough shot. He creates space when he does get a mismatch. We've liked what we've seen so far. We just need consistent play."
Asked if there's a chance Felder could start, Hoiberg shot down that idea.
"I've liked him off the bench," Hoiberg said. "The thing he's done early on is develop a nice chemistry with Cris (Felicio). Kay has shown the ability to throw that lob pass to him or hit him on a late pass. He's a guy who with his size has always played with a chip on his shoulder. We know he'll give us good effort."
Bull horns:
Coach Fred Hoiberg said the chances of Kris Dunn playing Thursday against Atlanta were 50-50. "We'll see how he responds (after Wednesday's practice)," Hoiberg said. "He had a lot of soreness after the practice the other day." … Hoiberg also said he got a chance to meet with Nikola Mirotic, who is at home recovering from a concussion and facial fractures. "I had a good talk with Niko," he said. "He's feeling better. He's going to go get a checkup later (Wednesday) afternoon."