PHOTO ⟩ NBA star Markkanen caused problems for the personnel of the Finnish mandatory service base on the first day

NBA basketball players take time to rest in the offseason, because the season is long (82 games in the regular season alone) and fatigue accumulates. As the start of the season approaches, players actively resume training to improve their skills and prepare for the new season.

In the meantime, 25-year-old Markkanen will perform his mandatory military service in his country’s armed forces. The basketball player’s duty station is located in the southern part of Helsinki.

His summer will be spent in the service.

On Monday, Markkanen received the equipment, causing problems for the military base staff because he is 2.13 meters tall and it was not easy to find the right size. Also, he needs a significantly bigger bed.

The basketball player himself believes that he will gain valuable experience during his military service. He will experience many things for the first time in his life. For example, he has never spent the night in the forest before.

Markanen did not hide from the Finnish media that he likes nature and there should be no problems with it.

There is something that the Finnish basketball star is very much looking forward to. Namely, he wants to test his accuracy in the shooting range. “I have never used a firearm. Therefore, I will go to the shooting range with pleasant feelings,” said Markkanen.

Markkanen will have to spend six months in military service.

Finnish athletes, however, have the opportunity to complete their service in a relaxed way, dividing it into several parts or taking holidays in order not to lose their athletic form.

Markkanen averaged 25.6 points and 8.6 rebounds in 66 NBA games this season.

The Utah Jazz did not qualify for the playoffs.