Photo Credit: AOP

Lauri Markkanen Asked The GOAT For Permission Before Choosing His Jersey Number

It’s always great to see young players and rookies have respect for the legends of the game. You all know the story of Giannis Antetokounmpo not really knowing how good his coach, Jason Kidd, was as a player. This probably wouldn’t happen to Chicago Bulls rookie Lauri Markkanen, who definitely knows how to act around the greatest of all time.

The Bulls lottery draft pick is currently wearingt #24 on his Chicago jersey, a number that once belong to fan favoirte Brian Scalabrine. As a huge sign of respect, Markkanen went to Scalabrine first, before choosing his number, and asked him if he was fine with it.

"I got to know @Scalabrine through this (draft) process & asked him if he'd be ok if I chose 24." @MarkkanenLauri on choosing that number.

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) June 27, 2017

Strange but true: The Bulls Lauri Markkanen asked Brian Scalabrine if he could wear No. 24. Now that's respect. Insane, yes. But respect.

— Frank Isola (@FisolaNYDN) October 25, 2017