Former Chicago Bulls forward Lauri Markkanen enjoys newfound success with the Utah Jazz — enough to fuel an All-Star push

For a moment in the third quarter of Saturday’s Chicago Bulls win against the Utah Jazz, Lauri Markkanen seemed to hover over the head of center Nikola Vučević.

Markkanen’s arm stretched back, ball cradled in his palm, frozen over the larger center. Then he brought it down with violence. As he landed, Markkanen turned out to a crowd that once cheered for him, roaring in celebration as Bulls fans rumbled in dissent.

Markkanen’s ascent toward the rim was a familiar sight at the United Center, where he spent the first four years of his career attempting to deliver on the lofty expectations set when he was drafted seventh in 2017. But his ability to finish — crushing seven dunks Saturday — was something new for Bulls fans.

Markkanen never lived up to expectations with the Bulls, eventually leaving Chicago in a trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers. But with the Jazz, Markkanen has found his rhythm. And as his new team prepares to host the 2023 All-Star Game, Markkanen is making a push to be selected.

For Bulls coach Billy Donovan, Markkanen’s recent development doesn’t come as a surprise.

“He’s older,” Donovan said. “He’s been in the league for a while. He’s got a better feel. … He’s kind of in the prime of his career. Everybody grows differently. Everybody goes through it differently. Everybody’s timeline is different.”

The growth is evident. Markkanen is averaging a career-high 24.5 points per game, leading a Jazz team that is in the playoff hunt in the Western Conference.

Markkanen, 25, attributed his breakout season to several factors — a deeper understanding of the game, a higher level of physical comfort on the court and a new system under Jazz coach Will Hardy.

“I think I’m a better player than I was a couple years ago when I was here,” Markkanen said. “I’m just getting more mature. Being in the right system utilizes my strengths, being on the move is getting me to my right spots. I don’t know if I would’ve been able to do this stuff earlier on.”

As Markkanen continues to rise as a leader in Utah, the Jazz have launched an All-Star campaign for the forward — or, as they call him, “The Finnisher.”

Markkanen was seventh overall in an early return of fan voting for the Western Conference frontcourt, receiving 466,988 votes. Fan votes contribute to 50% of the selection process, but that early number still reflects on his growing popularity.

After facing Markkanen on Saturday, Zach LaVine chipped in on his campaign.

“He’s 100% an All-Star to me,” LaVine said.