Lauri Markkanen, a 25-year-old native of Finland and Utah Jazz forward, has been named the Most Improved Player of the 2022-23 NBA regular season. While fulfilling his military commitment in Finland, he receives the award.
This is a remarkable achievement, considering Markkanen's underwhelming performance in his first four seasons with the Chicago Bulls.
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Jazz Surpassed Expectations
He was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in August 2021, where he had an average season of 14.8 points and 5.7 rebounds. However, things took a turn for the better when he was traded to the Utah Jazz in exchange for Donovan Mitchell before the start of this season.
Markkanen's first season with the Jazz was nothing short of exceptional, as he averaged a career-high of 25.6 points on 49.9% shooting in 34.4 minutes per game. He also earned his first NBA All-Star bid, starting in the February All-Star game in front of Utah's fans at the Vivint Arena.
Markkanen received 69 out of 100 first-place votes to beat out Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder, who finished second and third, respectively. Mikal Bridges of the Brooklyn Nets, Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers, and Trey Murphy III of the New Orleans Pelicans each received one first-place vote.
Although the Jazz missed the playoffs, finishing with a 37-45 record, they surpassed expectations for the season.
Markkanen's impressive performance was a significant factor in this accomplishment, and it's no wonder he was recognized as the Most Improved Player of the Year.
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