Lauri Markkanen experienced nerve-wracking moments on the couch at home – the most famous commentators in the United States praised the Finn in unison

Lauri from Markkase became the first Nordic player ever to be selected for the world’s best basketball league, the NBA’s all-star game, early on Friday, Finnish time.

Markkanen was chosen as a substitute. He was close to making the starting five by fan, player and media votes last week, but the coaches sealed the selection for the All-Star Game as a substitute.

The historic star game selection was reported live on TV in the United States.

Presenter Ernie Johnson revealed Markkanen’s name from his slip of paper. It got the most famous basketball commentators in the United States Shaquille O’Neal, by Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley to gesture approvingly.

– Well deserved! The trio said in unison.

Markkanen recently opened up about his feelings at a press conference in Uumen, the Utah Jazz’s home arena.

– I found out about the selection at the same time as you. I was on the couch with my family and the agent. It was a bit of a nerve-racking experience, but here we are, Markkanen described to reporters.

Markkanen’s selection was announced only as the second last, and that’s why the situation was nerve-wracking.

However, the choice was very likely due to Markkanen’s top picks.

– I’m really excited. This has been a goal on a personal level, Markkanen said and opened up his reaction to the selection in even more detail.

He had begun to go through his journey to this moment.

– Suddenly remembers everything. You slowly start to think about what you have had to do to get to this point. That was the biggest thing, Markkanen described.

The All-Star Game was not yet in mind at the beginning of the season

Markkanen thanked the Utah Jazz organization, players and background people several times at the press conference. When he came to Utah in the fall, Markkanen had not yet thought about the all-star game selection. At that time, the European Championships with the national team had gone wonderfully.

– I came with a lot of confidence after the summer, but I didn’t write down star game selection as my goal for this season. I just went one day at a time. I lived in the moment. I just tried my best to get wins and build a team. That’s what I was worried about. The star game didn’t occur to me, Markkanen said.

Utah started the season wonderfully under Markkanen’s leadership. After that, Markkanen also started to think that the star game selection could come. Utah also hired a campaign manager for Markkanen to market the Finn to the All-Star Game.

Now in his sixth NBA season and in his third NBA club, Markkanen has made his breakthrough into the absolute elite of the league.

– As a child, the all-star game was not a dream, but playing basketball as a profession and the national team and then getting to the NBA. When I got to the NBA, I didn’t want to be just some player at the end of the bench. I wanted to make a big impression. Thus, I have been able to push forward. This is crazy when you look back in time, Markkanen expressed.

Mobile phone for silent and children with clothes on

In the NBA All-Star Game, the teams are divided just moments before the game. LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo in turn grab the player they want. Markkanen hadn’t had time to think about his favorite captains or teammates yet. That’s how much fun Markkanen had gotten after the star selection.

He dressed his children and drove to Utah’s home arena in front of the media. He hadn’t had time to talk to his parents before the press.

– I had my phone on, but then after dialing, the messages started popping up. I then put the phone on silent, Markkanen described.

At the end of the press conference, Markkas was asked to explain why he has taken a huge leap as a player in Utah.

– Everything happens for a reason. I have improved as a player every year. I have been given an opportunity here in Utah. I’ve had the right teammates and the right coaches. Everyone believes in the game system. I don’t know what could have happened elsewhere. I wouldn’t change a day, Markkanen decided.

The NBA All-Star Game is scheduled to take place in North America on Sunday, February 19, i.e. early Monday, February 20 Finnish time.