Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen was one of two players the franchise listed as untouchable before the February trade close, along with ‘rookie’ Walker Kessler. If that was a first indication of management’s plans for her stay with the organization, it has expressly taken it upon itself to share her trust in him.
In an extensive interview with the media journalist HoopsHypeMichael Scotto, the Finnish international declared that the head of offices of the Jazz, Danny Ainge, spoke expressly with him to tell him that he can buy a house in Utah, thus confirming the intention to keep him in the project in the long term.
“Yeah, it felt good knowing that,” Markkanen began. “I know this is a business and it could still be traded if the right deal comes through, but it definitely made me feel good to hear that. […] It was a great feeling to get that approval from the main offices.”
Markkanen, who was selected seventh overall in the 2017 draft, completed his first four NBA seasons with the Chicago Bulls before being traded to Cleveland in 2021. After a promising season in Ohio, the forward was sent to the Jazz as part of the trade for Donovan Mitchell.
Thus, Markkanen has received this meeting with Ainge as the opportunity to settle permanently in the NBA. “It has been a lot of hard work and fighting against adversity. I think that’s the most important thing to be thankful for. I had some bad years in Chicago. Not everyone gets a second chance. When I got to Cleveland, I think my career went up a bit again. Then this last year has been great with EuroBasket and this season. I take great pride in hard work and never giving up believing in myself through tough times. My family continued to believe and so did I. It’s even better to have a year like this. I hope I can repeat it. Not everything is going to be ups and downs throughout your career. Everyone’s career is different.”
Now, the player faces the final games of the season with many possibilities of receiving the Most Improved Player award: his figures have increased from 14.8 points and 5.7 rebounds in 30.8 minutes last season at 25 ,6 points and 8.6 rebounds in 34.4 of the present, to which must be added his appearance in the All-Star Game as owner.
“I think it would be great [ganar el MIP]. The regular season is almost over and I’m starting to hear these things… it would be a very cool trophy to have at home. I take great pride in hard work, and just like becoming an All-Star, knowing what I’ve been through and being able to bounce back from it would mean a lot to me. Hopefully I get it. It would be great.”
(Cover photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
