Lauri Markkanen calls out one of Utah's myths during Jazz media day

Lauri Markkanen appears to be part of the Utah Jazz's long-term future. Even if the Jazz are not among the best teams in the league, there's plenty of optimism surrounding Markkanen. Don't believe that? Ask Jordan Clarkson.

The Jazz have helped Markkanen find his footing in the NBA, which undoubtedly played a role in why he preferred to stay with the team. However, during Jazz Media Day, Markkanen revealed that Utah itself also played a role in why he likes to play for the Jazz.

"I'm an outdoor person, I love being here, everything's close, family loves it here," Markkanen said.

More than that though, Markkanen went out of his way to call out the long-standing notion that NBA players would not want to come to Utah.

"I know what people say around the NBA, that there's nothing to do here or whatever, but that's not really true at all. I'd actually spend the whole summer here if I needed to and would have no problem with it."

Utah has a worse reputation than it deserves

Because of Utah's reputation as a non-free agent destination, not a lot of high-profile free agents have chosen to sign there. Granted, they've gotten a few notable players, like Carlos Boozer, Bojan Bogdanovic, and Mehmet Okur, but that's only a few.

Keep in mind that the Jazz signed them because they were a team on the rise looking for players who could raise their ceiling a bit. Even if it didn't end in a title, all of them proved worth the money the Jazz invested in them.

Even if they are the exceptions to the rule, other esteemed Jazz alumni have praised Utah. Deron Williams has not only praised the franchise but also owns a house in the area, and more infamous former Jazz stars like Gordon Hayward have praised their time with the Jazz and their fanbase despite ending on bad terms.

Markkanen's words should hopefully convince NBA circles that Utah isn't as bad as its reputation would suggest. Sadly, though, unless they are paying top dollar, the Jazz may not be in the conversation for a top-notch free agent in the near future because they are expected to be among the worst NBA teams.

However, knowing Markkanen's love for the state, combined with the potential success that he could bring to the franchise over the next several years, and Utah could very well put its reputation behind it once and for all.

Even if that success won't come right away.