Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz’s standout performer in the 2023/24 season, maintains averages of 25.2 points, but could end up leaving the team
In yet another disappointing campaign in NBAafter much expectation placed at the beginning of the season, the Utah Jazz could end up far from the postseason again, even with a promising squad, currently occupying 12th place in the Western Conference. Therefore, there are people who are considering that the team could involve the star Laura Markkanen in an exchange.
After a great individual season in 2022/23, including selection for the All-Star Game, the Finn returned with everything this year. With 51 games, he averages 25.2 points, nine rebounds and 3.5 three-pointers. However, numerous injuries took the star out of the main matches. Furthermore, the numbers are not reversed into wins. In this way, for the journalist James Hansenfrom “SLCDunk”, is the time to think about an exchange.
“Utah got a promising player in Taylor Hendricks and got the steal of the draft in Keyounte George. One appears to have defensive potential, while the other shows potential as a future point guard. With less than a quarter of the season remaining, they now need to make a decision on Lauri Markkanen. He’s a good player, but not good enough for a team that wants the championship.”said Hansen.
For the reporter, in addition to prioritizing the evolution of the young players in the squad, there are other reasons for changing Markkanen, such as having a star who is not so dependent on the system. Furthermore, the Finn is only seventh on the team in creating shots from the perimeter and 84.1% of his points come from passes, the highest in the league.
“Markkanen is not a high-level ball handler and ineffective as a shot creator from the perimeter. These are things that superstars have to do if you’re going for a title. Therefore, for him to score, you need to feed him the ball. Trading Markkanen at his current value gives a great chance of getting even more draft capital and thus more chances of selecting a big star in the future. Cooper Flagg, for example, comes in 2025. But there is still the name of AJ Dybantsa, in 2026”, stated the journalist.
Source: sportbuzz
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