Lauri Markkanen military service has become a huge topic of conversation in the United States.
Although the Finnish star did not play in the last home game of the season against Denver, he was able to answer questions from the local media about his service starting in April.
Markkanen had told about his plans earlier for ESPN (you will switch to another service) and for Urheilu. The 25-year-old Markkanen now emphasized to reporters that he must complete his service before he turns 30.
– I thought that if we don’t make the playoffs this year, now is a good time to do it instead of postponing it, and I would have to do it at a time that didn’t suit me so well, Markkanen said According to The Salt Lake Tribune (You’re moving to another service).
Watch the video how Lauri Markkanen comments about his conscript service to Urheilu.
Markkanen admitted that he doesn’t know much about what awaits him in the service. However, he stated that he is confident that the service will not affect his preparation for the next season.
Markkanen, who will start at the Sports School of the Defense Forces in Santahamina in the April arrival batch, also revealed to reporters that he is going to a place with a lot of athletes.
– They have dealt with various professional athletes before.
The service is spread over several years
One summer is not enough to complete military service, because depending on the training, it lasts six, nine or 12 months.
However, the media reminded that athletes in the same situation as Markkanen can divide their services over several years.
– Of course, the summer is not long enough for us (athletes) to do it together in one summer. So let’s see how many days I get this summer. I’ll move on from there.
– I really don’t want it to affect basketball, so we came up with a good combination.
Markkanen previously told Urheilu that conscript service does not change his goals to develop as a player in any way. However, he has stated that he considers performing military service to be an example and a matter of pride.
– In that way, I feel really good about it, that after the season there will be other things to think about than basketball. Get your thoughts elsewhere, Markkanen previously told Urheilu.
Utah cannot be identified
Reporters also questioned Utah’s head coach by Will Hardy and from a Canadian teammate From Kelly Olynyk thoughts about Finnish conscript service. In the stories, they were reminded that they cannot relate to Markkanen’s situation.
Olynyk considers Markkanen’s situation special. However, he praises that Markkanen fulfills his duties.
– It’s something we’re not used to here or in Canada, although I’m sure it happens in many countries around the world.
– But I think Lauri is an upright citizen, so I’m sure he’ll do everything he can to serve his country.
The head coach was surprised
Head coach Hardy stated that he was surprised by Markkanen’s conscript service.
– He lives in a country with different requirements than ours. It surprised me when I heard about it. We’ve been talking about it with him all year.
– In today’s world situation, it also never feels good when someone close to you goes to the army.
Hardy hopes that Markkanen fulfills his service, stays safe and returns healthy.
– It’s interesting to see him in a military uniform and see how everything goes.
– He has been mentally preparing for it for some time. We try to support him in every possible way.
Markkanen won his last home game of the season against Denvetri 118–114. Utah, which has already lost its playoff chance, will play an away game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday.