Markkanen was chosen for the match by the coaches of the NBA teams.
Lauri Markkanen has been selected for the NBA all-star game as a substitute for the western team, says the professional basketball league NBA on its website (you will go to another service).
Markkanen is the first Finn to play in the NBA All-Star Game.
The opening five of the All-Star Game were named last week. Markkanen was barely left out of the opening five. Team supporters, players and media representatives vote for the starting crews.
However, the NBA team’s coaches decide on the substitute player selections for the All-Star Game.
The All-Star Game will be played at the home hall of Markkanen’s club team, Utah Jazz, in Salt Lake City, Finnish time, on Monday, February 20 at 3:00 in the morning, i.e., February 19, American time.
Markkanen has averaged 24.9 points in the NBA this season. In addition, Markkanen has grabbed an average of 8.7 rebounds per game and given 1.8 assists leading to baskets.
Along with Markkanen, there are other substitute players for the Western Conference team Paul George, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jaren Jackson Jr., Damian Lillard, And Morant and Domantas Sabonis.
Previously, he had already been selected for the Western Conference team LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic and Zion Williamson.