Lauri Markkanen believes that he will return to the NBA floors in the near future.
Joel Sippola,
Antti-Jussi Sipilä
At the beginning of the year, the Utah Jazz were one of the hottest teams in the NBA. Among other things, it won six games in a row. The playoff spots were in full swing.
However, in February, the Jazz made big moves and traded no less than three of their key players elsewhere. Italian winger Simone Fontecchio moved to the Detroit Pistons and Kelly Olynyk mixed Ochai Agbaji headed to the Toronto Raptors.
At the same time, Utah’s going was stickier and it has practically missed the playoff train. Belonging to the absolute star category of his team Lauri Markkanen on the other hand, has recently suffered from a small leg problem and a flu, which have kept the man on the sidelines from the games.
– I believe that I could play a few games this week.
Markkas, who is playing in his seventh season in the NBA, is however saddened by recent events. The 26-year-old player is in a situation in his career where only success matters.
– As an athlete, you try to do your best, no matter who is next to you. The self-confidence is at the level that you can win every night. At this point, the career is used to the business side, that you can leave friends. Of course, it’s sad when you’ve had time to get to know them.
– I understand the longer formula, and we have had a lot of young guys. As a competitor, I want to win now, so it was momentarily frustrating, Markkanen admits.
He has tried to turn frustration into motivation.
– I realized that I have a lot to develop and I can use the rest of the season to create chemistry with the young guys. I can also develop on a personal level.
It’s different on bus trips
During his career, Markkanen has encountered the rough side of the professional series many times. Friends can disappear in an instant due to sudden transactions.
The most recent departures flashed.
– In the first days, it felt strange. We come from the plane to the bus and there is a certain group that sits at the front of the bus and we grind. Fontecchio and Olinyk both left our group, after which it’s quieter. The transfers took place during an away game trip, which seemed strange.
However, Markkanen is aware that peak periods do not always continue.
– Even if it’s going really well or is in a losing streak, it won’t last forever. When we win games, we know to enjoy it. However, there will probably be setbacks at some point. Same thing the other way around. Understands reality at both ends.
Credit to the future
Markkanen has played a strong season on a personal level, just like last year. Last season, Markkanen became the target of all teams at the latest. It has been reflected in a tougher defense.
– I have been able to mostly keep my head together and focus on the things in which I can improve. You can always be better, but I am more satisfied with the fact that I have been able to learn new things and keep my head together.
– I have seen the difference in how I have been defended and how physically draining it has been on some nights. On a personal level, performance has been quite similar in terms of efficiency, Markkanen adds.
Despite everything, Markkanen still sees Utah’s future as positive.
– I feel that we have good players here. I also believe in the coaches and what we are trying to build here. It requires a lot of effort from me and others. The purpose is to really fight for wins in the spring.