Lauri Markkanen – Is he worth a big, new contract?
For Lauri Markkanen, the 2023-2024 season will answer if he really is this good or if the prior season was a fluke. After all, we’re not saying that if Markkanen flames out this season he isn’t still an NBA starter, capable of making an impact. We know his floor is very high, we just need to know that his All-Star form is something the team can rely on.
And to be fair, he’s looked great in back-to-back seasons with the Jazz and Cleveland Cavaliers respectively. He’s looked good in these last two years, even if his per-game stats aren’t consistent. Now that he’s the first-look for the Jazz, his numbers shot up, so he’s clearly got the scoring touch, but can he prove that he’s a true All-NBA caliber player?
That’s the question that’s gotta be answered because that’s the type of contract he’s probably going to be looking for. Markkanen isn’t going to give the Jazz a discount; he’ll want to be paid, but is he worth the money he’ll demand? That’s what this season is all about, proving your worth. If Markkanen can repeat the All-Star success and make Third Team All-NBA, then you give Markkanen that nice new contract.
If he doesn’t return to that form; maybe Markkanen won’t return to the Jazz at all.