Bulls' Markkanen is fine with playing center as needed
The Bulls will likely spend the next several games trying to figure out the best way to make up for the loss of center Wendell Carter Jr., who will miss at least four weeks with a quad contusion.
Coach Billy Donovan has already used Lauri Markkanen and Thad Young together late in games, with no true center on the floor. But Donovan is also concerned that, against some opponents, the Bulls might need more size inside.
Markkanen was asked Saturday if his role changes significantly when he shifts from power forward to center.
"No, not really. I feel comfortable," he said. "We've done it a couple times now and I think nothing really changes. It's a little bit different position, but nothing too crazy. Of course, how many minutes you play at one time and how many minutes you're going to sit down, that's going to change if you're playing the backup 5. So that's a difference. But I haven't seen anything too big."
Daniel Gafford has been starting in Carter's place, but the Bulls struggled to slow down Lakers star Anthony Davis or protect the paint against Boston's Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum in the previous two games.
So multiple options are on the table, from using Markkanen and Young, to adding Cristiano Felicio or Luke Kornet to the rotation.
"On the offensive end I think it's a good look for us, just having me on the perimeter," Markkanen said. "I mean, of course I'm going to be inside too when I'm at the five, but I think I'm a mismatch there, so I think it's a good look for us. I've been guarding bigger guys all my life."