Lauri Markkanen

Ryan Kostecka

Although Lauri Markkanen may be half a world away during this offseason, his accomplishments during the last NBA season haven't been forgotten.

Announced on Monday night, Markkanen was named the NBA's Most Improved Player. He became the first player in Jazz history to win the award, defeating finalists Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City) and Jalen Brunson (New York).

"It feels amazing. ... It feels great," Markkanen said. "I didn't wake up at 2 a.m. for nothing. Obviously a huge privilege to be in this position. Just got to thank everybody back in Utah who made this possible, and my family."

To say Markkanen improved is to put it simply.&nbsp;

His numbers across the board all improved, some more dramatically than others. He finished +10.8 in points, +2.9 in rebounds, +5.4% from the field, and +3.4% from three-point territory, all doing so in just 3.6 more minutes per game.&nbsp;

"I think it's been my overall game coming together," Markkanen said. "Working on my overall game, working on where my spots are on the floor. … I've just been trying to bring everything together and just keep working on the overall package."

It's one thing for a player to improve his stats with more opportunity, but doing so at a greater efficiency is rare — and that's precisely what Markkanen did.&nbsp;

As Utah's No. 1 option, he averaged career-highs in points (25.6), shot attempts (17.3), field goal percentage (49.9%), free throw percentage (87.5%), assists (1.9), and minutes (34.4). He also averaged 8.6 rebounds per game, 39.2% from three, and 58.6% effective field goal percentage, all the second-most in his career.

"Lauri's done such a good job of continuing to work on different ways he can impact the game offensively," head coach Will Hardy said of Markkanen. "Obviously, he's shown the ability to shoot the ball. … But the physicality he's been able to play with, to drive the ball and as a screener, has given him the opportunity to score in a variety of ways."

Part of what makes Lauri's season so special was how unexpected it was

Viewed as one of the key components in Utah's trade with Cleveland late last summer, Markkanen served as a role player throughout the first five years of his career. But then he broke out over the summer as one of the stars of EuroBasket 2022, leading Finland to its first quarterfinals appearance after averaging 23.0 points and 9.4 rebounds per game.

Even before that performance over the summer, Utah's front office believed there was star potential in his game if given the right opportunity — and EuroBasket breathed life into that notion.

"Confidence is everything in this league. … It makes everything so much easier when you believe in yourself, what you're doing," Markkanen said in an interview with SLAM Magazine.&nbsp;

He was named to his first All-Star game and eventually chosen as a starter. He also became the first player in NBA history to have 200 threes and 100 dunks in a season, finishing with 200 made threes and 111 dunks.&nbsp;

"Our team looks to Lauri," Hardy added. "He's an NBA All-Star for a reason, and he's had a consistency about not only his play but his approach all season. I don't know what the ceiling is on Lauri. … I don't think any of us do, but I'm pretty sure we haven't seen it yet."

For someone who entered the season with so many questions, Markkanen now leaves it with some offseason hardware — and the potential to add more.&nbsp;

Of the 36 players who previously won the award, only eight have been named to an All-NBA team in the same season. Markkanen has a good chance to make it nine.

after-a-breakout-season-markkanen-wins-nbas-most-improved-player-award

"It Feels Amazing" | After A Breakout Season, Markkanen Wins NBA's Most Improved Player Award

Playing on his third team in as many seasons, Lauri Markkanen wasn't sure what to expect when he arrived in Salt Lake City last September.&nbsp;

Although he was just coming off a breakout performance following the EuroBasket 2022 tournament, he wasn't sure what to expect when moving to Utah as the Jazz were also in a massive transition.&nbsp;

"It's always hard following a trade, mainly because you just don't know what to expect when you go somewhere new," Markkanen said back then. "I'm living out of a hotel right now, and just trying to figure it out. Obviously there are a lot of changes going on. … New coach, new guys, new everything."

While the team spent the early parts of the season establishing an identity and getting comfortable playing with one another, Markkanen emerged as the team's most consistent player. But everything changed on November 18.&nbsp;

In a showdown with the Suns, Markkanen went toe-to-toe with one of the best teams in the league and led Utah to a 134-133 victory over Phoenix. He dropped a then-season-high 38 points on 15-of-18 shooting, adding six rebounds and three assists.&nbsp;

More than anything, the debate was over.&nbsp;

"Lauri is our guy. … He's our best player, and that's going to be reflected moving forward," head coach Will Hardy said the following day. 

The vote of confidence from his head coach is part of what Markkanen needed to go from a solid role player to arguably the biggest breakout star of the NBA this season.&nbsp;

The sixth-year forward had a breakout season, being named to his first All-Star game and then chosen as a starter. He's also a prime candidate to be selected All-NBA after a season that saw him become the first player in NBA history to have 200 threes and 100 dunks in a season.

He dropped a career-high 49 points against Houston on Jan. 5, shooting 15-of-27 from the field, 6-of-15 from deep, and a perfect 13-for-13 from the free throw line.&nbsp;

While it's not uncommon for role players to take steps forward when they arrive in different situations, Markkanen's rise was somewhat unprecedented — which is why he's considered the favorite to win the NBA's Most Improved Player of the Year award.&nbsp;

His statistical improvement didn't just come because he was given more opportunities with the ball in his hand. He went from Cleveland's fourth option last season to Utah's No. 1, and did so with more efficiency.

"I think it's been the overall game coming together," Markkanen said. "Working on my overall game, working on where my spots are on the floor. I've just been trying to bring everything together and just keep working on the overall package."

"Lauri's done such a good job of continuing to work on different ways he can impact the game offensively," Hardy added. "Obviously, he's shown the ability to shoot the ball. … But the physicality he's been able to play with, to drive the ball and as a screener, has given him the opportunity to score in a variety of ways."

While Markkanen's immediate future in Utah seems set — he told reporters that Jazz CEO Danny Ainge told him to buy a house this summer — the ceiling he once had as a player is gone, and now the sky’s the limit.&nbsp;

"I don't know what the ceiling is on Lauri. … I don't think any of us do, but I'm pretty sure we haven't seen it yet," Hardy said.&nbsp;

game-coming-together-markkanen-rewrites-the-narrative-after-all-star-season

"Game Coming Together" | Markkanen Rewrites The Narrative After All-Star Season

Gabby Hundman

photos-lauri-markkanen-22-23-season

PHOTOS | Lauri Markkanen 22/23 Season

Nobody knew what to expect when Lauri Markkanen entered the 2022-23 season.&nbsp;

He had just dominated the EuroBasket competition for Finland, showing his ability to be a No. 1 scoring option on a successful team. But as he transitioned back to the NBA for the upcoming season, many assumed he would return to being what he was for the past five seasons — a solid role player.&nbsp;

Announced Friday evening, Markkanen has been chosen as one of three finalists for the NBA's Most Improved Player Award. He is joined by other nominees Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City) and Jalen Brunson (New York).

Simply put, Markkanen was among the brightest and best storylines in the NBA this season.&nbsp;

The sixth-year forward had a breakout season, being named to his first All-Star game and eventually chosen as a starter. He's also a prime candidate to be selected All-NBA after a record-breaking season that saw him become the first player in NBA history to have 200 threes and 100 dunks in a season.

As Utah's No. 1 option, he averaged career-highs in points (25.6), shot attempts (17.3), field goal percentage (49.9%), free throw percentage (87.5%), assists (1.9), and minutes (34.4).&nbsp;

He also averaged 8.6 rebounds per game, 39.2% from three, and 58.6% effective field goal percentage, all the second-most in his career.

"Our team looks to Lauri," head coach Will Hardy added. "He's an NBA All-Star for a reason, and he's had a consistency about not only his play but his approach all season.&nbsp;I don't know what the ceiling is on Lauri. … I don't think any of us do, but I'm pretty sure we haven't seen it yet.”

However, Markkanen is not the only Jazzman potentially taking home some hardware this season.&nbsp;

Walker Kessler, Utah's beloved and talented rookie — and Markkanen's campaign manager — was announced as one of three finalists for the NBA's Rookie of the Year award. He is joined by Paolo Banchero (Orlando) and Jaylen Williams (Oklahoma City).

To say it was a whirlwind season for the center would be an understatement, as Kessler burst onto the scene as one of the top rookies in the league. There's no questioning his impact on both ends of the court, as he emerged as one of the best rim protectors in the game and is considered a near lock for the All-Rookie team.

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, debuted at All-Star weekend that same month, and then dropped a career-high 31 points in late March.&nbsp;

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.

"I always had this belief in me, but I just wanted to learn,” Kessler said. "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 the game. I figured by doing that, the rest would take care of itself."

"Like all of the best defenders in the NBA, part of it is they have a reputation," Hardy added. "I think for sure the reputation that he has now is helpful. … He's really gotten the respect of the league, the officials, the players, in terms of being one of those premier shot blockers.”

always-had-this-belief-markkanen-and-kessler-named-finalists-for-nba-awards

"Always Had This Belief" | Markkanen And Kessler Named Finalists For NBA Awards

Jeremy Rincon

photos-team-49

PHOTOS | Team 49

JP Chunga

The expectations for the Jazz entering the 2022-23 season were modest. Caesars Sportsbook tabbed Utah’s win total over/under at 23.5. They bested that mark by Game 48.

For Will Hardy, snap judgements are anathema to his style. The team that was cast off won’t be a team of cast offs.&nbsp;It yielded a group that upended expectations and finished 37-45.

“It’s something that we’re gonna strive for as an organization,” Hardy explained. “We won’t always get it right because you do have moments that are decision moments. But if we could we known as an organization that didn’t judge players too early, that’d be as high a compliment as you could get.”

Catch Will Hardy on Roundball Roundup on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Stitcher.

Roundball Roundup is presented by First Colony Mortgage, the official mortgage lender of the Utah Jazz.

roundball-roundup-will-hardy-recaps-team-49

Roundball Roundup: Will Hardy recaps Team 49

end-of-season-exit-interview-lauri-markkanen

End of Season Exit Interview: Lauri Markkanen

Entering the 2022-23 NBA season, there might not have been two players on Utah's roster with more questions surrounding them than Jordan Clarkson and Lauri Markkanen.&nbsp;

That sort of intrigue combined with the remarkable season they’ve both had has landed Clarkson and Markkanen on the cover of Slam Magazine. They’re the third and fourth Jazz players to grace the cover of the magazine, joining Deron Williams and Donovan Mitchell. 

Clarkson was the veteran on a rebuilding team, moving from the bench into the starting five, and it was unknown how we would do with more responsibility, both on the court and in the locker room.&nbsp;

Markkanen was seen around the NBA as a 7-foot shooter, someone who had turned into a role player rather than one leading a team. Nobody knew how he would do with the pressures of being a No. 1 or 2 option, how he would be able to adjust to being at the top of opponents scouting reports night in and night out. 

Both players answered those questions and did so in incredible fashion. If Clarkson and Markkanen were tested this season, it's safe to say they've passed with flying colors.&nbsp;

"Confidence is everything in this league," Markkanen said in an interview with SLAM Magazine. "It makes everything so much easier when you believe in yourself, what you're doing, but it goes to your teammates as well. I think it's just everything in this building. … We all believe in each other, and I think that's really helping us build something bigger than ourselves."

As Utah's No. 1 option, Markkanen has emerged as one of the top players in the league and an All-NBA candidate. He's averaging career-highs in points (25.7), shot attempts (17.3), field goal percentage (50.1%), free throw percentage (87.3%), assists (1.9), and minutes (34.4).&nbsp;

He's also averaging 8.7 rebounds per game, 39.4% from three, and 58.9% effective field goal percentage, all the second-most in his career.

It's also been a career season for Clarkson, shedding the sixth man moniker to emerge as one of the more versatile guards in the league. He's averaging 20.8 points and 4.0 rebounds per game, both career highs. But the biggest development has come from his play-making ability, averaging a career-high 4.4 assists as he's shown the ability to facilitate an offense at a high level.&nbsp;

"You know, this is my home. … Salt Lake City has accepted me, and I'm proud to be here," Clarkson told Slam. "The Jazz, this is my family, and they let me be me.

Apart from their brilliant individual seasons, Markkanen and Clarkson have been the leaders for a Jazz team that many expected to be in the running for the No. 1 overall pick. Instead, they've led the Jazz to the brink of the postseason, having Utah in contention for one of the final play-in spots with just four games left in the regular season.

"We've got big goals for ourselves," Markkanen said. "Obviously it is a process, but we're not trying to fast forward a little bit as well [in] trying to build a winning culture. …For everybody, the end goal is to win a championship. I don't think we're here just to have a good time. … We're trying to win games and play meaningful games. That's what we're working toward."&nbsp;

One of the driving forces in that mentality has been the success of the younger players on the roster.&nbsp;

Rookies Walker Kessler and Ochai Agbaji look like steals in their respective trades from this past summer, while guards Talen Horton-Tucker and Collin Sexton have been sensational in spurts.&nbsp;

"Everybody is hungry," Clarkson added. "We've got a bunch of young guys who are willing to prove themselves, coming in here to work. … That's like a foundation point of anything."&nbsp;

Despite the season's success — especially compared to preseason expectations — there were trials and tribulations that Jazz have gone through. But they turned them into moments of growth that will serve the team very well in the near future.&nbsp;

"It goes with the territory," Clarkson said. "The biggest thing is that you wake up, and the sun comes out the next day. … You put your shoes back on, tie 'em up and figure it out. All of this is a part of the trials and tribulations, the ups and downs. … The roller coaster ain't no fun unless it makes loops."

Through those moments of learning — and when reflecting on his past — Clarkson has been able to impart his wisdom to Markkanen and the Jazz. It's part of why Utah's 'rebuild' has been accelerated and why the Jazz expect to be contenders sooner rather than later.

"I know it sounds crazy, but stick with the process," Clarkson said. "The biggest thing you can always say: it's never a failure, it's just a learning experience."

stick-with-the-process-clarkson-and-markkanen-grace-cover-of-slam-magazine

"Stick With The Process" | Clarkson And Markkanen Grace Cover Of SLAM Magazine

<strong>LOOKING FOR ALL-STAR EVENT TICKETS? <a href="https://www.nba.com/jazz/2023-utah-all-star">CLICK HERE</a></strong>