Lauri Markkanen Hype & Appreciation Thread

[HermanG]

What is the ideal player or kind of player to be Lauri's running mate?

Offensively Trae Young. However, as a disclaimer, I dont want the actual Trae Young, but someone with his offensive toolkit would be perfect.

Good shooter, lob passer and PnR ball handler who is also a driving threat, draws defenses eyes and is also savvy enough to punish with drive and kick if they collapse on him.

Would also benefit Kessler offensively.

 

[infection]

Maybe Raul Lopez was born 20 years too early and couple be a budget Trae Young.

 

[Elizah Huge]

Dude, Tremendous Downside does not represent us all!

A couple guys were going off on me a few games ago for even suggesting that. Quite hilarious.

 

[Mr. T]

Contrary to loud but unpopular belief of Finnish fans on here, I think Lauri absolutely has a legit shot at making an All-NBA team.

Fixed.

 

[Conestoga Finn]

Lauri is damn popular here in these parts of Finland. Apparently also in Utah, around some salty lake.

That one bad game was long over due, but same time I almost think it was "ordered" by coaching staff, to see.

Regardless, enough well played to get a NBA pass. Overall.

LOL.

 

[Coach Ellis]

What is the ideal player or kind of player to be Lauri's running mate?

Dynamic wing or stretch 4 type of guy. Hence why I think the jazz should prioritize that in the draft. Give the Jazz two dynamic scorers at those spots and it’ll be extremely tough to defend.

 

[Tremendous Upside]

Dude, Tremendous Downside does not represent us all!

What?

 

[Jingled]

So, is anyone still doubting that he can be a Number 1 option on a Championship winning team?

I was just listening to Tim MacMahon and Spence Checketts discuss whether or not he's a number 2 option on championship team, they didn't even discuss the possibility that he could develop into a number 1 on a championship team and didn't even seem totally convinced that he's a number 2. I also see fans on twitter frequently discussing whether he's a 2nd or 3rd option on a contending team.

I guess I'm missing something. To me he's a surefire 2nd option on a championship level team, and I'm still not completely convinced that he can't be a number 1 if he continues to develop and the Jazz put the right pieces around him.

 

[Elizah Huge]

I was just listening to Tim MacMahon and Spence Checketts discuss whether or not he's a number 2 option on championship team, they didn't even discuss the possibility that he could develop into a number 1 on a championship team and didn't even seem totally convinced that he's a number 2. I also see fans on twitter frequently discussing whether he's a 2nd or 3rd option on a contending team.

I guess I'm missing something. To me he's a surefire 2nd option on a championship level team, and I'm still not completely convinced that he can't be a number 1 if he continues to develop and the Jazz put the right pieces around him.

It’s going to be hilarious when he averages 30 PPG next year.

 

[Tremendous Upside]

I was just listening to Tim MacMahon and Spence Checketts discuss whether or not he's a number 2 option on championship team, they didn't even discuss the possibility that he could develop into a number 1 on a championship team and didn't even seem totally convinced that he's a number 2. I also see fans on twitter frequently discussing whether he's a 2nd or 3rd option on a contending team.

I guess I'm missing something. To me he's a surefire 2nd option on a championship level team, and I'm still not completely convinced that he can't be a number 1 if he continues to develop and the Jazz put the right pieces around him.

I guess it's mostly his demeanor and playing style. He doesn't seem like a leader type. Not everyone has that personality trait no matter how good they are, and that's ok. Lauri does his job, never gets too high or too low, but he's not someone who "rallies the troops".

Also, off ball players are always doubted in the NBA. Reggie Miller was a tier below the other superstars of his era in the public perception because he depended on his teammates to get him open and get him the ball. Someone like Jordan bent the game into his will.

As long as Lauri is a guy who can be contained by keeping him away from the ball, he won't be seen as a true top 2 option on a championship team. That's just how it is. It may not be "fair", but when the stakes are the highest, basketball sometimes turns into a very simple game. Can you create something out of nothing with the ball in your hands or not?

Right now, that's the biggest piece missing from Lauri's game.

 

[Step-Back Hook]

I was just listening to Tim MacMahon and Spence Checketts discuss whether or not he's a number 2 option on championship team, they didn't even discuss the possibility that he could develop into a number 1 on a championship team and didn't even seem totally convinced that he's a number 2. I also see fans on twitter frequently discussing whether he's a 2nd or 3rd option on a contending team.

I guess I'm missing something. To me he's a surefire 2nd option on a championship level team, and I'm still not completely convinced that he can't be a number 1 if he continues to develop and the Jazz put the right pieces around him.

I think a lot of it is bc his season has been... a fast forward from a former role player type to first being #2 behind JC what comes to closing games. Then the ASG selection and just last month or two we have tried to coach him to be the #1. Lot of analysts need a more games where he goes closing them and gets success from them. Right now it seems so obvious once we get first Sexton and/or JC back and add more from draft or other routes... Lauri will have much more shooting around him and his life gets much easier again.

 

[kcgar]

I think a lot of it is bc his season has been... a fast forward from a former role player type to first being #2 behind JC what comes to closing games. Then the ASG selection and just last month or two we have tried to coach him to be the #1. Lot of analysts need a more games where he goes closing them and gets success from them. Right now it seems so obvious once we get first Sexton and/or JC back and add more from draft or other routes... Lauri will have much more shooting around him and his life gets much easier again.

What has been a pleasant surprise is that he is still scoring and with good efficiency while those scorers are out. Was not expecting that when other teams can fixate on him.