Finnish scoring forward whose three-point shooting and offensive versatility led him to the NBA's Most Improved Player award and All-Star recognition.
Lauri Markkanen was born in Janakkala, Finland on 22 May 1997. A supremely skilled 7ft forward with a deadly outside shot, Markkanen has established himself as one of the most complete offensive big men in the NBA. He was selected seventh overall in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves (with his rights traded to Chicago Bulls on draft night) and developed steadily in Chicago before a trade to Cleveland Cavaliers. The Utah Jazz acquired him in 2022 and he had his best season, averaging 25.6 points per game on excellent efficiency and winning the NBA Most Improved Player award in 2023. He has been an All-Star and All-NBA selection. For Finland he has been a national hero, appearing at EuroBasket and the World Cup. His combination of size and shooting skill makes him a legitimate franchise-level player.
Most Improved Player award and All-Star selection with Utah Jazz
How They Played
Stretch four with excellent three-point shooting and rebounding
Lasting Impact
First Finnish NBA All-Star and one of Europe's top NBA players
Most Improved Player 2023
He won the NBA Most Improved Player award in 2023 after averaging 25.6 points per game for Utah Jazz, and is widely regarded as the best Finnish basketball player of all time.
Did You Know?Career Honours
- Most Improved Player 2023
- All-Star 2023