Jazz F Lauri Markkanen Shining on International Stage

Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen continues to impress in the FIBA tournament. The ‘Finnisher’ scored 29 points on an efficient 10-for-14 shooting in an 86-80 win over Estonia. This performance was coming off the heels of scoring 24 points against Lithuania on Friday.

It appears Markkanen is out to prove that last year in Salt Lake City wasn’t a fluke. In his first season as a Jazzman, he averaged 25.6 ppg while hauling in 8.6 rebounds. That was good enough to earn his first-ever All-Star appearance while also being voted the Most Improved Player of the Year award.

Markkanen spoke about his progress after winning the MIP award for the 2022-23 season.

“It’s a good recognition of the work you put in, but it’s just the beginning,” the sixth-year wing said back in April. “I want to make the next jump and be able to lead this team to the playoffs and do something big with this group.”

Lauri Markkanen doing Lauri Markkanen things 🥶💙🔥🐺
📷🎥 : @VilleVuorinen42 pic.twitter.com/h4CF79m2dN
— Basketball Finland (@basketfinland) August 9, 2023

Moving forward the Jazz will be looking to lock up the first-time All-Star long term. There have been rumblings this summer that Markkanen’s extension could come sooner rather than later.

NBA Insider Michael Scotto of HoopsHype wrote on the matter last month.

“This summer, we saw Domantas Sabonis agree to a renegotiation and extension deal with the Sacramento Kings, and there’s another candidate to keep an eye on down the line for something similar,” Scotto wrote. “Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen is a renegotiation and extension candidate for next year to keep an eye on, from what I’ve heard.”

Markkanen’s current contract runs through 2025 and keeping him in Salt Lake City for the long haul would be a big win for Jazz CEO Danny Ainge, especially with Utah having a reputation of star players wanting to leave Dodge.

Next up for Markkanen will be another exhibition event against Lithuania on August 14.

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