Former Wildcat Lauri Markkanen named an NBA All-Star

Putting together a terrific 2022-23 season thus far, former Arizona Basketball star Lauri Markkanen was named an NBA All-Star. 

Sometimes a change of scenery is all you need and for former Arizona Basketball star Lauri Markkanen, that is certainly the case.

Now in his sixth season in the NBA, Markkanen (aka the Finnisher), is having a career year with the Utah Jazz.

Making the transition from Cleveland this off-season via the Donovan Mitchell trade, Markkanen has become a budding star in the NBA, and finally, people are taking notice.

Appearing in 48 games (48 starts), Lauri is averaging a career-high in points with 24.9 per game, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game.

His strong on-court performance this season has propelled the Jazz to a 27-26 record, and a current 9th-place ranking in the Western Conference.

Ranking in the Top 20 in the NBA in scoring, the breakout season for former Wildcat Lauri Markkanen has landed him in the annual NBA All-Star game.

We are already past the halfway point this season, and the annual NBA All-Star game is just around the corner. And for us fans of Arizona Basketball, we will have more reason to watch as former Wildcat Lauri Markkanen will be in attendance as he takes part in the All-Star game.

Making news on Thursday evening, it was announced that Markkanen has earned himself a roster spot, and based on how he has played this season, it is well-deserved.

The Finnish native continues to impress in his sixth season in the NBA, and for fans that have seen Markkanen play this season, he has more than earned this opportunity, and we are excited to tune in! The All-Star goes is currently set for February 18!

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