How Finnish Lauri Markkanen Became One of NBA’s Leading Stars

How Finnish Player Lauri Markkanen Rose to be One of NBA’s Leading Stars

The National Basketball Association is one of the most popular basketball events in the world. Some of the greatest players of all time have played in the NBA, with the most notable being Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, Steve Curry, and Magic Johnson.

Though it is an American league, the NBA has also attracted a lot of international players. Whether it be Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid, or the topic of this article, Lauri Markkanen. Fans of basketball have undoubtedly already heard the name. But for those unfamiliar, let’s answer the question: Who is Lauri  Markkanen?

Who is Lauri Markkanen?

Lauri Markkanen is a Finnish basketball player, who began his professional career playing with HBA-Marsky in Finland’s second-tier basketball league. Though he performed quite well for himself, Lauri would not attain much attention until his move to the USA, and participation in college basketball.

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When Lauri came to the USA, he first joined the Arizona Wildcats. But, it would not take long for his professional career to kick off the ground. In 2017, the Minnesota Timberwolves drafted the young Finnish player, and immediately traded him to the Chicago Bulls. And it was with the Chicago Bulls that Markkanen started making a name for himself.

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Lauri Markkanen with the Bulls

Lauri Markkanen began playing with the Bulls in 2017. During his debut, he managed to win the crowd over by scoring 17 points. With the people on his side, he went on to prove that his success was not a fluke. In the next two games, he set a record for most 3-pointers scored during the first three games of an NBA player career. The young Finnish player’s success led to former NBA player, Brian Scalabrine, letting him use his number 24.

Lauri’s success would not end there. In 2018, he played for a full 46 minutes, a career high for the Finnish pro. During that game, he scored eight 3-pointers, and a total of 33 points, significantly contributing to the Bulls’ victory over the New York Knicks. That same year, and only a few games later, he showed off his defensive skills against the Lakers, blocking three significant shots.

Without a doubt, the biggest success Lauri Markkanen experienced with the Bulls was in 2020, when the team was playing against the Chicago Hornets. The young Finn scored 35 points and 17 rebounds on the opening day, the most points scored on opening day since the Bulls Legend himself, Michael Jordan.

In 2021, Lauri Markkanen lost his starter position for the Bulls after some changes in the team. However, he would not remain on the Bulls’ bench for long. A lot of teams set their sights on the up-and-comer, and the ones that got lucky were the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Lauri Markkanen with Cleveland Cavaliers

Though the player did not spend a long time with the Cavaliers, he certainly left his mark. In his debut he scored 10 points and nine rebounds against the Memphis Grizzlies. However, despite the admirable performance, his team still lost by 11 points. During his one season with the Cavaliers he also scored the season high of 31 points, with ten rebounds and four steals, during a game against the Denver Nuggets.

Between 2021 and 2022, Lauri averaged over 14 points per game, which earned him a position as a starter for the Cleveland team. And though Markkanen proved a great player, a time for trade came in 2022. The Utah Jazz acquired the young Finn on September 1, 2022. Today, Lauri continues to play for the Jazz, and has earned several awards and honors.

Lauri Markkanen’s Success

Now that we have the context of his career, the question that remains is: How Lauri became an NBA star? And the answer is quite simple. The young player came onto the scene with a strong drive to prove himself. With the bulls he set several records, some only rivaled by legendary players like Michael Jordan. Not only that, but he proved that he has what it takes as a defensive player as well, blocking some important shots during incredibly notable games.

With the Celveland Cavaliers he continued to establish himself as a noteworthy player. He continued to improve, and show that he has what it takes to be the starter. Which, of course, earned him an opening position for the Cavs. And even today, with the Utah Jazz, he continues to hone his skills. Which is likely what earned him the 2022-23 Most Improved Player Award.

While we can’t say what Lauri’s future holds, we can definitely say that it is a bright one. The young Finn certainly has what it takes to become one of the best players in the NBA, and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with giants like Jordan, Johnson, and Curry.

Conclusion

The latest news about the 2023 draft has gotten us thinking about the future of the NBA. Talented players from all over the world are now moving to the USA, specifically so they can compete in the league that made them fans to begin with.

Lauri Markkanen may have begun playing for a second-tier Finnish league. However, in 2023, he is one of the rising stars of the National Basketball Association. He has significantly improved his game in the past six years, which rightfully earned him several honors and awards.

Whatever the future awaits Markkanen, it is likely to be a bright one. He has already earned the respect of his peers, the audience, and the basketball community at large.