Lauri Markkanen has quickly become one of the most exciting and promising players in the NBA, gaining recognition not only for his basketball skills but also for representing Finland on the world stage. Known for his sharpshooting, particularly from beyond the three-point line, and his remarkable versatility, Markkanen’s journey to the NBA has been an inspiring one. From his roots in Finland to becoming an NBA All-Star, his career is a testament to the global reach of basketball and the growing talent emerging from Europe.
In this article, we’ll delve into Lauri Markkanen’s rise in the basketball world, explore his unique playing style, and look at his impact on both the NBA and Finnish basketball, as well as answer some commonly asked questions about his career.
Early Years and Introduction to Basketball
Born in Helsinki, Finland, on May 22, 1997, Lauri Markkanen grew up in a family with a strong athletic background. His mother, Riikka, was a professional basketball player, while his father, Pekka, played football. From a young age, Lauri gravitated toward basketball, and his tall stature — he stands 7 feet tall — combined with his natural athleticism, made him a standout in youth leagues.
Markkanen’s early years in Finnish basketball were marked by impressive performances. He played for HBA-Märsky in his hometown of Helsinki, where he quickly caught the attention of scouts. By the time he was 16, he had already shown potential as a future star, establishing himself as one of Finland’s top young prospects.
College Basketball at Arizona: A Breakout Year
Lauri Markkanen’s basketball trajectory took a major turn when he moved to the United States to play college basketball for the Arizona Wildcats in 2016. Under head coach Sean Miller, Markkanen’s game flourished in the competitive environment of NCAA Division I basketball. His freshman season was a breakout year, as he averaged 15.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game.
What set Markkanen apart from most players of his size was his incredible ability to shoot from deep. He finished the season with a stellar 42.3% shooting from three-point range, making him one of the most dangerous stretch forwards in college basketball. This performance earned him All-Pac-12 honors and solidified his status as a top prospect for the 2017 NBA Draft.
NBA Journey: From the Bulls to Stardom
Markkanen’s exceptional college season resulted in his selection as the 7th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, his rights were traded to the Chicago Bulls, where he began his professional career.
In his rookie season (2017-2018), Markkanen wasted no time in making an impact, averaging 15.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. His ability to stretch the floor as a 7-foot power forward and his smooth shooting stroke from the outside quickly made him a standout in the league, earning him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team.
Chicago Bulls: Growing as a Player
Markkanen played for the Chicago Bulls from 2017 to 2021. Despite the team’s struggles to compete for a playoff spot, Markkanen continued to develop as one of their key players. His scoring ability grew, and he became a focal point of the offense.
However, his time with the Bulls was not without challenges. With a young, rebuilding team, there were questions about how well Markkanen fit into the team’s long-term vision, especially given the emergence of other key players like Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic. By 2021, the Bulls decided to move forward without him, and Markkanen was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
A Fresh Start with the Utah Jazz
In 2022, Markkanen was traded to the Utah Jazz, where he enjoyed a resurgence. The change in scenery and playing style suited him well, allowing him to step into a larger role. The 2022-2023 season proved to be a turning point in Markkanen’s career, as he had a career year, earning his first NBA All-Star selection.
Markkanen’s numbers soared that season, as he averaged a career-high 25.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. His shooting improved across the board — he shot 49.9% from the field and 39.9% from three-point range. His versatility as both a power forward and a center made him one of the most difficult players to defend. Markkanen’s strong play helped the Jazz exceed expectations and earned him the NBA’s Most Improved Player award for the 2022-2023 season.
Representing Finland on the International Stage
Beyond his NBA career, Lauri Markkanen has also made a significant impact on the Finnish national basketball team. He has represented Finland in several international tournaments, including FIBA EuroBasket and World Cup qualifying events. His leadership on the court has been vital to Finland’s success, and his international performances have elevated the profile of Finnish basketball.
Markkanen’s success on both the NBA and international stages has made him a national hero in Finland, and his role in the development of Finnish basketball cannot be overstated.
Playing Style and Strengths
Lauri Markkanen is known for his blend of size, skill, and athleticism. Standing at 7 feet, he has the physical presence of a center but the shooting ability and mobility of a modern forward. His most notable strength is his three-point shooting, a rarity for players of his size.
Some of his key strengths include:
Three-Point Shooting: Markkanen is among the best shooting big men in the NBA, able to stretch the floor with his perimeter shooting.
Rebounding: Although not always dominant, he is a reliable rebounder, using his height and positioning to collect boards effectively.
Offensive Versatility: Markkanen can score in a variety of ways — from post-ups to mid-range jumpers and catch-and-shoot opportunities from beyond the arc.
Basketball IQ: His high basketball IQ allows him to make intelligent decisions on both ends of the floor, contributing to his overall effectiveness.
Defensive Upside: While not yet an elite defender, Markkanen has the tools — such as his size, length, and athleticism — to become a more impactful defender as he continues to develop.
A Closing Perspective
Lauri Markkanen’s story is one of determination, growth, and success. From his humble beginnings in Finland to becoming an NBA All-Star and an integral player for the Utah Jazz, Markkanen’s career is a testament to his hard work and natural talent. As he continues to refine his skills and take on more responsibility, the future looks incredibly bright for the Finnish basketball phenom, and fans worldwide are eager to see what’s next in his journey.
FAQs:-
How tall is Lauri Markkanen?
Lauri Markkanen stands 7 feet (2.13 meters) tall, which gives him an advantage on both ends of the floor.
What position does Lauri Markkanen play?
Markkanen is primarily a power forward, but his versatility allows him to also play as a center or small forward, depending on the team’s needs.
What is Lauri Markkanen’s NBA salary?
As of the 2023-2024 season, Markkanen’s reported salary is approximately $17.6 million, based on his contract with the Utah Jazz.
Has Lauri Markkanen been an NBA All-Star?
Yes, Markkanen was named an NBA All-Star for the first time in the 2022-2023 season.
Is Lauri Markkanen the best Finnish basketball player?
While Finland has produced other notable players, including Hanno Möttölä and Jussi Kunnas, Markkanen is widely regarded as the best Finnish player in recent memory due to his success in the NBA and his impact on the international stage.
What are Lauri Markkanen’s career averages?
As of the 2023 season, Markkanen’s career averages stand at about 15.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game.
To read more, Click Here