Lauri Markkanen: “It was the same in Cleveland, everyone doubted us at first”

Candidate for a first selection in the All-Star Game which will take place in Utah next February, Lauri Markkanen has been shining since the start of the season, in a Jazz formation which was promised the lowlands in the West and which finds itself in join the fight for a direct participation in the playoffs, after nearly 40 regular season games.

Before mid-October, there were indeed a few question marks such as the induction of Will Hardy, rookie coach, and simply having to start almost from scratch. There were still some signs of hope with regard to the roster, and Lauri Markkanen was obviously one of them, after a very good Euro with Finland.

Comfortable in the skin of the outsider

The interior has always believed in it. With Cleveland last season, he had experienced a similar context at the start of the season. And the Cavs had finally made a good run despite an outing at the gates of the playoffs.

“I had high expectations, especially after this summer. I gained self-confidence with the national team. There were a lot of NBA players at EuroBasket. Physically, I am in the best shape of my life. So I had high expectations from the start.”, did he declare. “We have a lot of good players. So I had high hopes from the start, especially after the start of training camp. We have a good team. We just have to stay on the same wavelength and rely on our cohesion. We have a lot of new ones. But it was the same last season when I was in Cleveland. Everyone doubted us at first. Then we started well. With this experience, I knew from the start of the camp that we had a good team. We just have to continue to progress, get to know each other better and stay on the same wavelength”.

Lauri Markkanen also highlighted the touch of his new coach, Will Hardy, the one who allowed him to show himself in his best light, and of his staff who did everything possible for the players to flourish.

“I was able to see the staff before the camp. They know what they are doing, it’s very easy to work with them. I also have good teammates around me, but the way we play basketball is selfless, we share the ball. It makes things easier for everyone.”

The year of maturity

Lauri Markkanen’s potential All-Star season isn’t just about Will Hardy. The interior also felt that it had now come of age in its game.

“Looking back, I think I could have done some things better at the places I played before. But I was not the player I am today when I was there. I just kept working and improving. You have to progress, and you can’t rush. I have improved as a player in the way I approach the game”he confided. “Overall, I have matured as a person. We understand the game better and what it involves”.

While the start of the season had been remarkable (12v-6d), the Jazz have had a little more trouble for ten games (six defeats), even if Lauri Markkanen continues to perform on his side.

At Golden State tonight, he struggled again despite his last three missed shots in the “money-time” (29 points, 16 rebounds) but Utah lost again (112-107). To continue to progress, Lauri Markkanen has been asked by teammate Mike Conley to be more vocal, in line with his major player status.

“I try to improve myself. I tried to lead by example. I’ve been in the league for years now. I try to feel comfortable in my role as vocal leader. I’ve seen things over the years compared to a rookie. I have to continue to lead by example.”he pointed out.