Markkanen helped off court at EuroBasket; Bulls say injury not serious
Chicago Bulls rookie Lauri Markkanen was helped off the court after appearing to injure his leg while playing for Finland at EuroBasket 2017 on Saturday.
Hope Markkanen is okay. Was struggling to get off the court after the game. pic.twitter.com/n1HEFFX22K
— Stephen Noh (@StephNoh) September 2, 2017
Markkenen appeared to suffer the injury late in the fourth quarter after landing awkwardly following a last-second jumper.
Markkanen steps out of bounds on game-tying attempt, injures himself on the play. He's being helped off the court after the game. pic.twitter.com/uQWBegS5Zk
— Stephen Noh (@StephNoh) September 2, 2017
Bulls personnel told CSN's Vincent Goodwill that the injury isn't serious and he's expected to play Sunday.
The 20-year-old was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves and subsequently traded to Chicago along with Zach LaVine and Kris Dunn in exchange for Jimmy Butler and the rights to Justin Patton.
The 7-footer is coming off a terrific freshman campaign at Arizona, averaging 15.6 points and 7.2 rebounds, while shooting 49.2 percent from the field and 42.3 percent from deep.