Bulls coach Billy Donovan likes the versatility Lauri Markkanen provides

For years, the Bulls have been trying to take advantage of the mismatch Markkanen could cause many opposing centers. The 7-footer finally is buying in.

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Golden State Warriors v Chicago Bulls

Lauri Markkanen tries to handle a pass under pressure from Brad Wanamaker on Sunday night at the United Center.

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Bulls big man Lauri Markkanen is no stranger to playing center.

In fact, some of his best basketball has come when he has moved there from power forward. See February 2019 for a reminder.

Coach Billy Donovan obviously saw that film.

For the second consecutive game, Donovan leaned on Markkanen at center with the second unit and has been creative in how he has done it.

On Saturday against the Pacers and Sunday against the Warriors, Donovan gave Markkanen a quick hook at around the six-minute mark of the first quarter, let him rest for a few minutes, then put him back in for starting center Wendell Carter Jr.

The strategy showed promise against the Pacers, but it really took on some life against the smaller Warriors. Markkanen scored 10 points from late in the first quarter into the early part of the second and finished the half with 16 points.

The way Donovan sees it, Markkanen finally is understanding he can make his presence felt in ways other than scoring.

‘‘I think he’s tried hard to do that,’’ Donovan said. ‘‘I think, as a young player, guys generally base their performance on if the ball is going in the basket or not. I think he’s rim-protected, I think he’s offensive-rebounded, I think he’s gone in there and been physical on drives, I think he’s gotten himself to the free-throw line some, so it can’t be all about [scoring] for him.

‘‘He should have freedom to shoot the ball. If it goes in, great; if it doesn’t, it’s not the end of the world. . . . I think he’s been really good in his shot selection; he’s taken good shots. But, again, he’s going to have a night where he doesn’t shoot the ball well, and that’s just the way it is. He’s got to be able to do other things because of his length, size and athleticism.’’

Donovan didn’t say how long he plans to use Markkanen as his starting power forward and backup center. He has made it clear he’s a coach who seldom shows his hand. He doesn’t announce starting lineups until he absolutely has to, and he keeps rotations to himself.

Playing Porter

Donovan has been public about how much he and the coaching staff value veteran forward Otto Porter Jr., but they also value making sure he stays up and running.

That was a big reason rookie Patrick Williams got the starting nod over Porter, who was plagued by injuries last year, to start the season. It allows Donovan to control Porter’s playing time a bit more easily, keeping him just above 20 minutes per game.

‘‘Like I said before, I’m here to do my job,’’ Porter said of his bench role. ‘‘Whatever that entitles, I’m going to go do it the best I can do.

‘‘I’ve been in that role before, so it’s nothing new to me. It’s just a mindset type of thing.’’

One reason the Bulls hope to keep Porter healthy is that he might be a candidate to be traded as the season goes on. His $28.4 million salary is tough to swallow, but it expires after this season.

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