Despite the Utah Jazz finishing last in the Western Conference with a 22-60 record, Lauri Markkanen had a notable individual season. He played a career-low 42 regular-season games, with his last appearance on February 24th. Averaging a career-best 26.7 points per game, Markkanen was sidelined due to a tight hip flexor syndrome. He plans to use the national team to regain his playing rhythm.
“We have some international games coming up, and I’m excited to play in them again. It will give me a boost going into the NBA season,” Markkanen said with a smile.
Finland currently holds a 3-1 record in Group G of the European qualifiers, including a victory over France (83-76). They have two remaining games in July. Additionally, Finland will play two more matches in August, marking the start of a new six-game schedule in Group L.
