Lauri Markkanen is enjoying a remarkable resurgence this season, promising exciting prospects for the Utah Jazz. After a summer spent competing in Eurobasket with Finland, Markkanen has rekindled his passion for basketball, leading to a spectacular start to the NBA season. Currently, he averages 29.3 points per game, ranking fifth in the league and setting new career-high scoring marks. This is a significant improvement from his previous season’s average of 25.6 points per game, which earned him an All-Star selection and the title of NBA’s Most Improved Player. Notably, this average also far exceeds his 19.0 points per game from the season prior.
Markkanen’s scoring prowess has recently captured attention as he played a vital role in helping the Jazz achieve the highest single-game scoring output of the season, totaling 152 points in a game where he scored 35 points and hit five three-pointers. Since joining the Jazz, Markkanen has already recorded seven games with at least 35 points and five triples, showcasing his elite offensive performance.
While the Jazz may not be leading the Western Conference, Markkanen’s return to his All-Star caliber form has provided clarity in the team’s roles, allowing younger players to develop without the added pressure of a heavy scoring burden. Currently, Keyonte George is the only other player averaging double-digit points at 21.3 per game. The anticipated return of Isaiah Coller, a promising second-year guard known for his passing skills, could further enhance Markkanen’s scoring opportunities.
Historically, Markkanen’s scoring feats position him favorably among some of the greats in Jazz history. He currently ranks seventh on the list of players with the highest season scoring averages for the franchise, joining legends like Karl Malone, Adrian Dantley, and Pete Maravich. Maravich holds the record for the highest average at 31.1 points per game during the 1976-77 season, and both Dantley and Malone have recorded averages over 28 during their respective tenures.
As the season progresses, Markkanen’s impressive scoring may pave the way for him to make history within the franchise, aligning him with Utah Jazz legends while creating a thrilling atmosphere for fans. The combination of Markkanen’s exceptional talent and a developing supporting cast hints at an engaging and hopeful season ahead for the team and its supporters.