In an offseason commerce, the Utah Jazz acquired ahead Lauri Markkanen from the Cleveland Cavaliers within the Donovan Mitchell commerce.
Up to now, the Jazz couldn’t be happier with their return in that deal.
Markkanen has far exceeded expectations for this season.
He was regarded as a pleasant complementary piece on a staff heading into the season.
However, he has remodeled himself into among the finest gamers within the Western Convention this 12 months.
Additionally, the Jazz have been anticipated to be one of many worst groups within the league.
As an alternative, Markkanen has led them to a report of 24-24 and they’re presently the sixth seed within the West.
On the season, Markkanen is averaging 24.8 factors and eight.7 rebounds, whereas capturing 52.1% from the sphere.
There isn’t any query Markkanen must be part of the Western Convention All-Stars this season.
Each night time it looks as if he places up a monster stat line or a spotlight play.
For a staff that was anticipated to tank for the primary choose, attributable to Markkanen that’s now not the case.
Lauri Markkanen’s stats over the past month:
30.6 factors
9.6 rebounds
67.7 TS%
50.4/42.3/92.1 capturing splitsIn Utah, Markkanen is blossoming right into a star. pic.twitter.com/1cLW7ttP92
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) January 19, 2023
Markkanen appears to be the subsequent participant who’s flourishing in the appropriate scenario.
The Jazz are the third staff he has performed for in as a few years.
However, Utah is wanting like his without end dwelling.
He has by no means averaged greater than 18.7 factors per sport earlier than this season in Utah.
Nonetheless solely 25 years outdated, Markkanen is below contract till the 2025 season.
With the way in which he’s going, Utah must be prepared to pay up on the longer term All-Star.
