Lauri Markkanen Cleared for Basketball Activities After Fatigue, Heart Concerns

The Chicago Bulls announced Wednesday power forward Lauri Markkanen was cleared to resume basketball activities after missing the final seven games of the 2018-19 NBA season over concerns stemming from extreme fatigue and a rapid heart rate.

Markkanen went through a series of tests at Rush University Medical Center, which determined the symptoms were likely caused by dehydration and nutrient deficiency. He's expected to complete his standard offseason training program. 

The 21-year-old University of Arizona product made progress in his second NBA season while averaging 18.7 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.4 assists across 52 appearances (51 starts). His player efficiency rating rose from 15.6 in his rookie campaign to 17.1 this year, per Basketball Reference.

Chicago would probably like to see the Finland native improve his shooting percentage, which remained stagnant at 43 percent in 2018-19, and become a more reliable defender.

Markkanen ranked 39th among power forwards in ESPN's Real Plus-Minus in large part because of his negatively rated performance at the defensive end.

Lauri Markkanen Reel

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The seventh overall pick in the 2017 draft said Wednesday he wants to get stronger and is setting a goal to play in all 82 regular-season games next season, per K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune.

"I feel an obligation to get better. I don't feel an obligation to be an All-Star," Markkanen said. "I saw Zach [LaVine] say winning comes first and personal accolades come after that. That is true. But individually, making [All-Star] is definitely motivation for me. It's always been my goal. I don't know when's the time. But I'm definitely working as hard as I can to make it."

With a clean bill of health in hand, Markkanen can focus on making the necessary adjustments over the summer.