So, is anyone still doubting that he can be a Number 1 option on a Championship winning team?
Lauri Markkanen Hype & Appreciation Thread
- Thread starter The Midnight
- Start date
Step-Back Hook
Well-Known Member
Well as I said he still has few things to work on to get there. He is a bonafide #2 as it is but imo needs a bit more skills to create off-the dribble in static moments. Defenses going to be tough on post-season. At this point in some games he is magnificient in the 4th and like in this last game against the Heat, he resorted in lower quality shots when asked to create in the end minutes.
I believe he CAN become #1 but it is not a sure thing. He looks much better I thought with this role after just the short time he has been learning it. So he might get there. If he had to be NOW the #1 in the finals against the Bucks - he would struggle a lot.
Thee Jazz Fan
Well-Known Member
This is what I’m looking for if he wants to be a top 5-10 player he needs this to improve.
Thee Jazz Fan
Well-Known Member
By the way, he can do it now just not with any consistency.
kcgar
Well-Known Member
I agree @Step-Back Hook. I even think he can be a 1a to another 1b. I have no doubt that he will get even better next year. The way he responds to bad games or games that they change the defense up on him has been superstar-esque. One area I think he needs to get better at is his passing out of the double team. Start watching some of that Joker tape 
Bawse Dawg
Well-Known Member
What is the ideal player or kind of player to be Lauri's running mate?
kcgar
Well-Known Member
For me a pass first defensive pg and a Jaylen Brown type player
+ Kessler is a perfect fit from the current roster. 2/5 already nailed.
Last edited:
Tremendous Upside
Well-Known Member
I disagree. Love Kessler, but until he learns to shoot a bit, he's not the perfect fit for a scorer who cuts a lot and is most effective in a spaced interior. Lauri is constantly facing at least two defenders near the basket when he curls in from the wing and receives the ball. Teams know Kessler can't do anything when he's more than 10 feet from the rim and they just cheat off him. Sometimes it leads to an alley-oop for Walker, but that's a tradeoff teams seem to be pretty happy with.
I also think Lauri needs to diversify his offensive arsenal in those situations. I know he wants to get to the FT line so he just puts his head down and goes for the contact, but why not rise up for an easy pull-up jumper just inside the FT line? That shot is automatic for Durant and IMO Lauri has the same type of potential. When there's a couple of bouncy, long defenders waiting for him at the rim, it doesn't make much sense to just play into their hands.
Last edited:
Contrary to popular belief of Finnish fans on here, I think Lauri absolutely has a legit shot at making an All-NBA team.
I said at the trade deadline that he should make it if he keeps up the pace and he has.
Are the voters still rigorous about C&F designations?
Dude, Tremendous Downside does not represent us all!