Utah Jazz ahead Lauri Markkanen dunks the ball in the course of the NBA All-Star 2023 apply on the Huntsman Middle in Salt Lake Metropolis on Feb. 18, 2023. Ryan Solar, Deseret Information
Based mostly on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s feedback throughout Saturday’s All-Star media availability, Utah Jazz ahead Lauri Markkanen could also be picked for Group Giannis in the course of the All-Star Draft that occurs half-hour earlier than Sunday’s All-Star Recreation.
Antetokounmpo, a ahead for the Milwaukee Bucks, praised the first-time All-Star, saying, “He’s a kind of guys you wish to play with.”
“He can shoot the ball, take individuals off the dribble. He’s robust and likes to play the sport of basketball. It’s enjoyable to observe him play. I’ve been watching him for years and he simply retains enhancing,” Antetokounmpo mentioned.
“He’s going to be one of many most important guys within the subsequent couple of years that can most likely be dominating the league. So it’s nice to observe him play and perhaps sooner or later, we're teammates.”
Mitchell, a former Utah Jazzman and present Cleveland Cavaliers guard, mentioned he isn’t stunned that Markkanen is enjoying at an All-Star degree this season. Markkanen arrived in Utah as a part of the Cavaliers’ commerce for Mitchell.
“To have the ability to lead this crew in a variety of uncertainty for each ends on what was to come back, for him to thrive on this function, I believe it’s one thing that’s really particular to see. I’m completely satisfied for him. He’s having a variety of success and is an All-Star starter, so it’s been nice to see,” Mitchell mentioned.
Markkanen, who was upgraded from an All-Star reserve to an All-Star starter on account of accidents within the West’s beginning lineup, confirmed a preview of what he’s completed this season with the Jazz over the summer season.
He averaged 28 factors for Finland in Eurobasket 2022 towards a few of Europe’s greatest gamers, together with Luka Doncic.
“He’s a fantastic participant. He’s improved all through the years. In Eurobasket, he dominated and he's translating that in NBA. He’s enjoying rather well, serving to his crew be nice and having a fantastic season. He’s an All-Star, clearly,” Antetokounmpo mentioned.
Markkanen’s breakout yr is available in his sixth season within the league. This season will mark the primary time he’s averaged 20 or extra factors per sport in a season.
“I by no means stopped believing. Simply been placing the work in. Simply must have the excessive perception in your self that something can occur, and so it’s hopefully just the start,” Markkanen mentioned.
Markkanen has household in Salt Lake Metropolis this weekend from Finland to see him within the 3-point Contest and the All-Star Recreation.
“Being in my hometown and having my household right here and having them expertise every little thing with me, I believe that’s been fairly cool,” Markkanen mentioned.
Will Markkanen gun for All-Star MVP in entrance of the hometown followers and grow to be the primary Jazz participant to win the glory since John Stockton and Karl Malone break up the honors in Salt Lake Metropolis in 1993?
“We’ll begin fascinated about that, like, midway by means of the sport. We’ll see what occurs, however I’m going to go on the market and attempt to show I can do this stuff and simply placed on a present,” Markkanen mentioned.