How the NBA missed on Lauri Markkanen

We Think We Know You

I don't need to tell you about Markkanen's career revival in Utah. After putting up incredible performances for Finland in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Markkanen hit the ground running, as the Jazz surpassed league-wide expectations with Markkanen leading the charge. Finally, he found a team in Utah that trusted him to lead and gave him the freedom to play the way he knew he could.

For Markkanen, being an All-Star starter for All-Star Weekend's host team, the Utah Jazz, was more than a heartwarming story of a player overcoming poor circumstances to breach the surface of basketball stardom. His was the story of a hardworking kid who never grew out of his habits. Though his path was untraditional, he achieved his dreams by pushing his limits until they gave way.

People around the NBA have a habit of labeling players and trying to fit them inside a box to simplify their understanding. When a player is limited by the outside influences of the media, coaching staff, and fanbases, the generally perceived player tends to become who that player is. Improvement is often seen as overachievement rather than growth. He isn't just a spot-up shooter, he isn't Dirk Lite, and he isn't a declining underachiever. Lauri Markkanen is Lauri Markkanen, and he is awesome.