DOG • Lauri Markkanen

LAURI MARKKANEN (UTA)

**#23•L. MARKKANEN**

***PF • 7'0, 240 lbs; 7th year, Arizona***

Top DOG

NBA ROLE: HIGHLY SKILLED, INSIDE-OUT FOUR

An athletic 7-footer w/ a natural shooting motion, Finland’s Lauri Markkanen is a prototypical big for today's generation; very skilled offensive talent, good outside shooter – able to hit spotting up and coming off action on the elbows – doesn't exert much energy, form doesn't suggest extended shooting struggles; agile for a 7-footer – Lauri can put the ball down and score, utilizes 1-2 dribble pull-ups v. slower bigs (should attack inside the arc more often); rough draft hook game & faceup attack – soft touch, able to convert faders & turnarounds; needs to screen a little better, add strength, avoid settling for jumpers & work on defensive positioning (staying vertical, setting up the D before guards push the ball); talented scorer, continuing to grow on both ends; dealt to Jazz (2022) – big-time scorer in Utah: Markkanen broke through as an All-Star in 2023 – Undisputed Franchise Player: Lauri has transformed into a real go-to guy for Coach Hardy