6 biggest questions for the Utah Jazz heading to training camp

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SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – FEBRUARY 23: Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz in action during a game at Vivint Arena on February 28, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

Can Lauri Markkanen continue to play like an All-Star?

Lauri Markkanen’s had an up-and-down NBA career so far, and that’s coming from someone who’s a fan of the guy. Markkanen showed a lot of promise early in his career and looked like an All-Star in the making, but then he had a lackluster end to his time in Chicago, before heading to Cleveland where he was the team’s fourth option.

Finally in a starring role in Utah last season, Markkanen destroyed teams with his unique and varied offensive skill set. He wasn’t just getting empty stats either, he was effective from everywhere on the court, and because he was, he ended up making an All-Star team for the first time in his career.

He had great shooting splits, hitting 50% from the floor, nearly 40% from three, and nearly 88% from the free-throw line. Then you look at his stat and you can see he put it all together; nearly 26 points, nearly nine rebounds, and just about two assists per game.

And while he deserved the All-Star selection and the Most Improved Award, he’s got to prove that he can do this again, and again. Markkanen may already be one of, if not the greatest Finnish-born players ever, but if he wants to become one of the greatest Utah Jazz players ever, then he’s got to do more.

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