Lauri Markannen is keen to complete his mandatory service in the Finnish military service in the offseason.
According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, “It’s mandatory, we have to do it, but at the same time we take pride in it, too,” Markkanen said. “I think it sets an example to serve. And I’m confident I can do it in a way that it’s not going to affect my preparation for next season, either.”
The outlet added that military service is compulsory for male citizens and had to be completed before age 30. The Utah Jazz guard is now 25. Shelburne added that Markannen would report for his service in mid-April or sometime in July, depending on when the Jazz’s season ends.
This season has been sensational for the big man as he averages 25.6 points and 8.6 rebounds after the Jazz acquired him in an off-season trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
His longtime agent, Michael Lelchitski, added that Markannen had his sights set on doing the service. “It’s important for him as a citizen to fulfill his civic duty and not have any kind of preferential treatment just because he is a famous athlete.”
Markannen has five years, but the forward’s firm decision to serve speaks volumes about his commitment — a trait that’s also seen him reap rich dividends on the hardwood this season.
Lauri Markannen Makes Pau Gasol’s List Of European Players Who Can Beat Team USA
In what rightly is the perfect game-knows-game adage, former Los Angeles Lakers superstar Pau Gasol picked Lauri Markkanen as one of the European players who can pip Team USA.
He picked some no-brainers in Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Nikola Jokic. Also making the cut was Rudy Fernandez.
“The fifth guy… Right now, I’m between probably two players,” Gasol said during the NBA All-Star weekend. “Maybe (Bojan) Bogdanovic, who’s playing really well at this point… I’m between him and Markkanen, which is also another great player who’s going to be an All-Star this year for the first time. It’s a tough call between those two… But let’s go with Lauri Markkanen.” (h/t BasketNews)
Whether the Jazz makes the postseason or not, Markannen will be pleased to have played his part in taking his side within striking distance of the playoffs. There’s no doubt that he has made his case as one of Utah’s bonafide superstars.
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