Jazz’s Lauri Markkanen Finds Controversial Ranking in Top NBA PFs List

Lauri Markkanen finds himself entering the 2023-24 NBA season with a handful to prove. After an uber-successful campaign a year ago with the Utah Jazz, fans are looking to see if the Finnish product has enough to keep pushing forward to further establish himself up the league ranks.

However, some continue to underrate just how impactful Markkanen has developed as a player. In HoopsHype’s recent ranking of their top power forwards in the NBA, the Jazzman found himself at 8th in the league, with names like Orlando Magic F Paolo Banchero (7) and New Orleans Pelicans F Zion Williamson (4) ranked ahead:

https://t.co/2EtjT5GLsG’s top 10 PFs for the 2023-24 season:

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo
2. Anthony Davis
3. Pascal Siakam
4. Zion Williamson
5. Karl-Anthony Towns
6. Jaren Jackson Jr.
7. Paolo Banchero
8. Lauri Markkanen
9. Evan Mobley
10. Kristaps Porzingis
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 15, 2023

Markkanen was simply spectacular in 2022-23, putting up over 25 points nightly and shooting nearly 50 percent from the field – on difficult shot attempts, at that – and 39.1 percent from three... The smooth face-up midrange and three-point shooter is also on what looks like a steal of a contract for Utah, as Markkanen will barely be in the Top 100 in salary in 2023-24 and is locked up through 2024-25 for $18.0 million, a very low price for an All-Star-level player. We expect more big things out of Markkanen in 2023-24.

- Frank Urbina,

HoopsHype

In 66 games last season, Markkanen averaged 25.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists on elite efficiency (49.9/39.1/87.5), contributing majorly to the shocking season that went down in Utah. Finding his way to his first All-Star appearance in a stacked Western Conference is a testament to just how well he was producing.

Markkanen also possesses such an extremely unique skill set that isn’t just hard to match up with; it’s hard to find a comparison. A seven-footer that can score at all levels of the floor like him is few and far between, and he’s only getting better with time.

Another impressive season in the books could be exactly what Lauri needs to find more respect around the league. Reloading to an already exciting young core of three first-round draft picks could be the energy boost the Jazz needs to make their next leap.

Eyeing what should be an improved team and record in store for Utah, look for another electric season from The Finnisher in his 7th-year pro.

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