Chicago Bulls forward Lauri Markkanen (24) drives in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Boston Celtics, Friday, April 6, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

Lauri Markkanen etched his name in Chicago Bulls history on Monday becoming the first rookie in 18 years to record at least 1,000 points and 500 rebounds in a season.Β 

Elton Brand was the last Bulls rookie to reach that milestone in the 1999-2000 season. Only Dave Greenwood and Michael Jordan were the other players in franchise history reach that mark.Β 

It became official after the former Arizona Wildcat scored 10 points and grabbed 6 rebounds against the Brooklyn Nets.Β 

It's another accomplishment for what has been a successful first-year in the NBA for the rookie. In January, Markkanen became the fastest player in NBA history to make 100 3-pointers, which took him 41 games to do. Stephen Curry made 100 3-pointers in 58 games, and Ray Allen did so in 76 games.

Markkanen also played in the Rising Stars Challenge as a member of Team World and finished in second place of the Skills Challenge during All-Star Weekend.

Markkanen has averaged 15.2 points and 7.5 rebounds per game on 36 percent shooting from 3-point range.Β  Β 

The Bulls currently stand as the 13th seed in the Eastern Conference and won't make the playoffs, which means Markkanen will put a cap on his rookie season on Wednesday when Chicago hosts Detroit for the regular season finale at 5 p.m.


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Award-winning sports journalist, University of Arizona graduate and Tucson native.Β