What's new

It's Official - Lauri Markkanen is the NBA's Most Improved Player

JazzGal

Well-Known Member
Contributor
2022 Award Winner
2023 Award Winner
SALT LAKE CITY – Lauri Markkanen has won the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award, becoming the first member of the Utah Jazz to take home the honor.

Markkanen was announced as the winner on TNT Monday Night during the first round of the NBA Playoffs.

The Finnish forward beat out New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson and Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the award.

 
Lauri had 69 first place votes, SGA had 27 (I think), and Brunson had 4.

Barkley was completely shocked for some reason and thought the voting would be really close. I don't think he understands what Most Improved means. It was obvious that SGA and Brunson were on an uphill trajectory. Lauri was a surprise for most.
 
It was 2am in Finland, but Lauri looked great. He said he was really excited about this award. Said he puts in long days (10-12) for the training. He felt like the difference in this year from prior years was his confidence from EuroBasket, and then being put in a position where he was told to do just what he did in EuroBasket. He said it was a really fun season in Utah and he was grateful for his coaches and team. Said he still needs to work on his locker room leadership role but felt good about what he's done so far.
 
Article says it’s the first time a Jazzman won the award. But, in my mind, I like to count Ike Austin for his MIP year in Miami the first year we went to the finals and pretend he was still on the team and he helped us win the title.
 
My boy! God damn I love this guy and it’s so awesome that he got rewarded.

SGA and Brunson are legit dudes. But nobody saw this from Lauri

Super excited and proud of my boy
 
Congrats on being a the worst player last year who was good this year!

Just kidding, this is a cool award. Shows how hard he has worked. He absolutely deserves to be recognized.
 
It was 2am in Finland, but Lauri looked great. He said he was really excited about this award. Said he puts in long days (10-12) for the training. He felt like the difference in this year from prior years was his confidence from EuroBasket, and then being put in a position where he was told to do just what he did in EuroBasket. He said it was a really fun season in Utah and he was grateful for his coaches and team. Said he still needs to work on his locker room leadership role but felt good about what he's done so far.
Days are long in Finnish defensive forces i assure that.
I still remember my recruit time in Finnish defensive forces and damn what a hurry and tight schedule we had every freaking day.
All that was 19 years ago for me but if it would be possible i would do that again in a heartbeat and without any hesitation because it was goddamn fun to be into army.
 
Lauri became first Utah Jazz player who's won MIP award.
How's that so didn't Malone and Stockton ever won significant NBA awards?
I know Michael Jordan dominated most votings and won everything but did Malone and Stockton even won MVP award once?
 
Lauri became first Utah Jazz player who's won MIP award.
How's that so didn't Malone and Stockton ever won significant NBA awards?
I know Michael Jordan dominated most votings and won everything but did Malone and Stockton even won MVP award once?
Ya Malone won MVP. Never MIP though. Lauri is the only jazz player to win that award
 
Top