Lauri Markkanen knows how to appreciate being selected for the NBA all-star game even more after all the adversity.
Sakari Lund,
antti-jussi Sipilä
19:17•Updated 19:19
Lauri Markkanen has managed to sleep one night after the historic election. Markkanes became the first Nordic ever to be selected for the NBA All-Star Game among the world’s best players.
– Pretty crazy feeling, Markkanen told Urheilu.
– A lot of work has been done for that. I recognize that something has been done right.
Markkanen’s NBA career has not always been one celebration. In Chicago, the Finnish player gradually had to play a smaller role. From there he moved to Cleveland. The transfer for this season to the Utah Jazz was ultimately a perfect match for Markkanen’s career. After the difficulties, he can appreciate the selection for the star match all the more.
– This means a lot, this has been sought after on a personal level. It means even more when you realize the adversity that’s been there, especially the last couple of years in Chicago.
– You can appreciate it more, because not everyone gets that second chance. When it starts going bad, you might be out of the league.
Last night, local time, Markkanen watched the election on TV.
– There were exciting moments on the sofa at home with the family and the agent. After the selection, the phone started beeping. Then I went to the press hall. The whole team was there and a small party was held. I could not have achieved this without all of them. Everyone is needed, from cooks to caretakers.
However, the daily life of an NBA basketball player continues regardless of the choice.
– Now we are already in the training hall and preparing for tonight’s match, Markkanen stated.
Utah meets Atlanta on the night before Saturday Finnish time.
The All-Star Game will be played in the Utah Jazz’s home arena local time on Sunday, February 19. However, Markkanen is not going to stop there.
– Now on to bigger things, this was a good stopover.