2024 NBA All-Star Game

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Ryan Kostecka

Lauri Markkanen is back in the Three-Point contest.

Announced on Thursday, Markkanen will participate in the event as part of All-Star Saturday Night at All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis. 

This will be the second consecutive season with Markkanen participating in the event. The second-to-last shooter in last year's competition, he tied with Boston's Jayson Tatum for the last spot in the finals with 20 points — but that was before Portland's Damian Lillard stepped up. Lillard knocked Markkanen and Tatum out before eventually winning the event. 

Markkanen's inclusion in an event featuring some of the long-distance shooters in the game is warranted.&nbsp;

Against Denver on Oct. 30, Markkanen became the NBA's all-time leader for most career games by a 7-footer with at least five made threes. He's done so 43 times in his career and 22 times in a Jazz uniform — 10 times this season, including back-to-back games in Utah's victories over Milwaukee and Oklahoma City earlier this week where he closed  out both teams with clutch buckets in the final minutes.

"That's an example of growth from Lauri, because that's not something that he's done a lot," head coach Will Hardy said. "It's something he's worked on a ton. … I think he's recognizing how teams are guarding him and understanding that every night it may be something a little bit different for him. We're fortunate that he has the skill set to do that."

A breakout star last year when he was named the NBA's Most Improved Player, Markkanen has continued his meteoric rise this season. 

He's proving that last year was no fluke by averaging 23.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. Despite dealing with injuries early in the season and being the focal point of every opponent's scouting report, Markkanen is shooting 50.1% from the floor, 40.7% from three, and 88.2% from the free throw line. He has posted a team-leading 17 double-doubles this season and has scored in double digits in every game of his Jazz career — including a personal record of 113 straight games. 

"It's a lot of work, but I think just getting more and more comfortable getting those reps in, and kind of see where my spots are and go from there," Markkanen said. "I think that there's a lot of room to grow, but I think I made some steps in the right direction, as well. … That's credit to all the coaches pushing me every day."

It's been a remarkable 12 months for Markkanen. Apart from the NBA accolades already mentioned, Markkanen was named the Western Conference's Player of the Week for games played from Monday, Jan. 8, through Sunday, Jan. 14. It is the first time Markkanen had received the award throughout his seven-year career and the first time a Jazz player has won the award this season. He was also named Finland's 2023 Athlete of the Year in January, becoming the first basketball player to receive the award and the fifth team sport athlete to win.&nbsp;

"It was really cool," Markkanen said about winning. "It's a really prestigious award in Finnish sports. Not a lot of team sport athletes have gotten it. … Just knowing what kind of athletes from across all the sports that Finland produces, just being on the list makes it more meaningful."

Markkanen now has eyes set on two more first-time possibilities this season. He has yet to play in a postseason game, and with the Jazz currently in the final spot of the play-in tournament, that moment could be coming shortly. He's also in contention to make an All-NBA team, a possibility that becomes more real every time he steps onto the court. 

"There are a lot of conversations between Lauri and myself about what he likes best vs. what I see on the film and when I watch him. … It's a dialogue we're gonna keep having,” Hardy said.

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"Room to Grow" — Markkanen to Compete in Three-Point Contest at All-Star Weekend

The Jazz are heading to Indianapolis for All-Star Weekend.

Announced on Tuesday afternoon, second-year center Walker Kessler and rookie Keyonte George were selected to participate in the NBA's 2024 Rising Stars Game. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. MT on Friday, Feb. 16, from Gainbridge Fieldhouse, home of the Pacers. 

Kessler's selection makes it back-to-back years that the big man will represent the Jazz during the game.&nbsp;

Arriving in Utah following the Jazz trade with Minnesota for Rudy Gobert during the summer of 2022, Kessler made an immediate impact for the Jazz during his rookie season. After coming off the bench during the early parts, Kessler got the start on Jan. 10 in Cleveland — and stayed in that role the rest of the season.&nbsp;

He finished the year averaging 11.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks in his 40 starts. He was named the Western Conference Rookie of the Month for February and dropped a career-high 31 points in late March. He also became the first rookie in 25 years to record at least four games of 7+ blocks, trailing Tim Duncan's five times in 1998, and he became the first Jazz rookie ever to record a 30-point, 10-rebound game.

He was named first-team all-rookie while finishing third in Rookie of the Year, receiving two first-place votes.&nbsp;

"I just wanted to learn," he said last year. "I went into this year trying to learn as much as I could so when I do get the opportunity, I can take advantage and try to help us win. I figured by doing that, the rest would take care of itself."

Kessler entered his rookie year with high hopes after debuting for Team USA at the FIBA World Cup this past summer. However, an elbow injury early in the season opener caused some up-and-down play. Since returning to the roster full-time in late November, Kessler has returned to form as one of the best shot-blockers in the league.

He's averaging 8.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game, shooting 65.7% from the field. His 2.7 blocks per game ranks third in the NBA, and he's tied for the second-most games with five-plus blocks in the NBA this year.

For George, his rookie season got off to a bang.

After being taken 16th overall in the 2023 NBA draft, George thrived during the summer. He was named First-Team All-Summer League after averaging 29.5 points and 8.5 assists in two games in Las Vegas and 15.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game through three games in Salt Lake City.

He continued to impress his teammates and coaches during training camp, earning a spot in head coach Will Hardy's rotation on opening night.&nbsp;

"To be completely honest, I feel like I belong," George said after the season-opener. "For me, I think that confidence comes from the preparation. … I'm just super confident in my game. I just had a lot of fun out there. … It was a big-time blessing for me to appear in my first NBA game."

He made his first start on Nov. 8 in Indianapolis against the Pacers, finishing with seven points and a then-career-high nine assists. He followed the game up with seven points and a career-high 11 assists in a victory over Memphis.&nbsp;

George has played in 42 games (16 starts) this year, averaging 11.0 points, 4.3 assists, and 2.8 rebounds on 82.1% from the free throw line in 24.2 minutes per game. He ranks in the top 10 for qualified rookies in assists (second), free throw percentage (second), points (sixth), and minutes per game (ninth).&nbsp;

"There's a lot of belief within our organization in Keyonte," Hardy said. "I think all of the guys on the team recognize Keyonte's ability. … I think everybody on the team has been really impressed with his maturity at his age, his understanding at his age. I think the team has received him well. … They've been very supportive of him all season."

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"A Lot of Belief" — Kessler and George to Represent Utah in Rising Stars Game at NBA All-Star Weekend

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<strong>Tonight's game against the Golden State Warriors has been postponed. <a href="https://www.nba.com/jazz/news/utah-jazz-vs-golden-state-warriors-postponed">Learn More &gt;</a></strong>

2024 NBA All‑Star Game

"Room to Grow" — Markkanen to Compete in Three-Point Contest at All-Star Weekend

"A Lot of Belief" — Kessler and George to Represent Utah in Rising Stars Game at NBA All-Star Weekend