Lauri Markkanen - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Lauri Markkanen is a professional basketball player from Finland who currently plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA.
- 2. He was born on May 22, 1997 in Vantaa, Finland.
- 3. Markkanen played college basketball for the University of Arizona before declaring for the NBA Draft in 2017.
- 4. He was selected as the 7th overall pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2017 NBA Draft, but was later traded to the Chicago Bulls.
- 5. Markkanen quickly made a name for himself in the NBA, earning All-Rookie First Team honors in his debut season.
- 6. Standing at 7 feet tall, Markkanen is known for his shooting ability as a big man, with a smooth shooting stroke and range beyond the three-point line.
- 7. In his second season with the Bulls, Markkanen averaged 18.7 points and 9.0 rebounds per game, solidifying his status as a rising star in the league.
- 8. Markkanen has represented Finland in international competition, including the FIBA EuroBasket tournament.
- 9. In 2021, Markkanen was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers as part of a multi-team deal that also involved the Portland Trail Blazers.
- 10. Markkanen continues to make an impact on the court with his scoring ability and versatility, and is seen as a key piece in the Cavaliers' rebuilding efforts.