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Where does the Utah Jazz’s Lauri Markkanen rank among power forwards

By Chad Porto

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 23: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans passes the ball as Walker Kessler #24 of the Utah Jazz and Lauri Markkanen #23 defend during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center on October 23, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 23: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans passes the ball as Walker Kessler #24 of the Utah Jazz and Lauri Markkanen #23 defend during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center on October 23, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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Lauri Markkanen is among the best players in the NBA, but where would the Utah Jazz forward rank against the league’s best power forwards?

For Lauri Markkanen, it’s not an easy thing to define his position for the Utah Jazz. He’s a versatile player who can play both the small and power forward positions and will do so throughout the game depending on who he’s on the court with. If he’s out there with Jordan Clarkson, Ocahi Agbaji and Collin Sexton at the same time, he’ll most likely be at power forward. If he’s out there with Walker Kessler and Kelly Olynyk, then he’s going to be at small forward.

Right now, the Jazz are looking at having a starting lineup that will see former Atlanta Hawks forward John Collins as part of the starting lineup. As he’s lacks the offensive uniqueness to play small forard, and lacks the size to play center, he’s a definitive power forward.

Meaning Markkanen would play small forward for the club. And when he does play small forward, he’s one of the best guys in the league at that position, but what about when he doesn’t? Hoop’s Hype released their top 10 list for power forwards in the league, and you can see Markkanen came in at number five.

"Giannis AntetokounmpoKevin DurantZion WilliamsonPascal SiakamLauri MarkkanenJarren Jackson Jr.Julius RandleEvan MobleyJerami GranatPaolo Banchero"

Honorable Mention

"Draymond GreenKyle KuzmaAaron Gordon"

Now, it’s a debate in itself if Markkanen is a small or power forward by definition, but ESPN has him listed as one, so for the sake of this excercise, we’re going to assume he is. So, he’s the fifth best power forward according to one outlet, but is a fair ranking for him?

Controversly, no. While Pascal Siakam is better on defense, Markkanen has no real limitations on offense, unlike Siakam. So one could argue he’s higher than Siacam and is at least the fourth best power forward in the league.

But we can go further. Being the best at something in sports isn’t just about athleticism or skill, it’s about the impact you make on a team. That’s the barest definition. Zion Williamson is ranked as third in the league, but he’s missed 63% of games. How is he supposed to impact a team when he’s gone nearly two-thirds of the schedule?

Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the three best players in the world and Kevin Durant is still seen as one of the best shooters, so to be fair, I’d argue that Markkanen is the third best power forward in the league. His versatility on offense is just too much to hold him down to anything lower than third.

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