SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Making Lauri Markkanen a cornerstone of the rebuilding course of has given the Utah Jazz a…
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Making Lauri Markkanen a cornerstone of the rebuilding course of has given the Utah Jazz clearer path on the place the franchise needs to go in making an attempt to grow to be an NBA playoff contender once more. .
The Jazz prolonged Markkanen’s contract in August, signing the All-Star to a five-year, $238 million contract. Commerce discussions surrounded Markkanen throughout the offseason, however the deal signifies Utah’s intention to construct its roster round him transferring ahead.
Staying in Utah was at all times Markkanen’s most popular selection.
“I’m an outdoorsman (and) I like being right here,” Markkanen mentioned on the Utah Jazz media day on Monday. “Every little thing is shut and my household loves it right here. I do know what folks say within the NBA, that there is nothing to do or something, however I may spend the entire summer season right here – if I wanted to – and haven’t any issues with that.
The timing of its extension was deliberate. Markkanen signed the deal on August 7, guaranteeing that he can’t be traded throughout the 2024-25 season. He supplies a uncommon safety blanket for a participant who was traded twice earlier in his NBA profession.
Markkanen has thrived in Utah since Cleveland traded him for star guard Donovan Mitchell. He averaged 24.5 factors on 49% capturing and eight.4 rebounds in two seasons with the Jazz.
Markkanen earned his first profession NBA All-Star choice with the Jazz in 2022-23 and was additionally named the league’s most improved participant that season.
“Lauri is a professional,” mentioned Jazz CEO Danny Ainge. “He approaches the sport the proper method. However above all, he’s a improbable participant and he loves being right here. He needs to be right here.
The Jazz engaged in commerce talks and pursued big-name free brokers over the summer season in an try so as to add some veterans round their prized ahead. They launched into these efforts and targeted on participant growth within the upcoming season.
Markkanen might be counted on to tackle a bigger management function with a Utah staff that options six gamers underneath the age of 20. The Jazz return final season’s rookies – Keyonte George, Taylor Hendricks, Brice Sensabaugh – and added a brand new trio of first-year gamers in Cody Williams, Isaiah Collier and Kyle Filipowski to the roster.
“He’s an All-Star stage participant. He’s going to be an amazing chief for our staff, a focus for our staff,” Jazz coach Will Hardy mentioned.
Turning into extra of a vocal chief is a aim for Markkanen heading into the season. He mentioned he has at all times tried to steer by instance and present younger gamers all the proper issues to do as knowledgeable athlete – whether or not it is displaying up early for follow or doing further issues that do not at all times present up in a rating.
Placing himself ready to steer vocally will push Markkanen out of his regular consolation zone as a participant and he’ll welcome new tasks.
“That’s my job as a participant: to enhance and transfer the staff ahead as rapidly as attainable,” Markkanen mentioned.
Markkanen’s teammates are assured that he can elevate his sport and transfer into a brand new part as a cornerstone of the franchise and a mentor to his much less skilled teammates.
“I don’t wish to swear, however that (expletive) was within the navy,” guard Jordan Clarkson mentioned. “That’s an sincere reply. He’s prepared for something. Lauri is prepared for no matter you placed on his plate.
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