Lauri Markkanen is reminding the basketball world just how talented he is with his stellar performances at EuroBasket 2025, and he’s also pushing back against the narrative that has surrounded him for the past few years. After a breakout 2022-23 NBA season where he earned his first All-Star nod, Markkanen’s time with the Utah Jazz has been marked by struggles, largely due to the team’s tanking strategy, which has limited his potential.
However, Markkanen’s performances in EuroBasket have been a powerful statement, silencing many of his critics who questioned whether he was wasting away on a rebuilding Jazz team.
Markkanen Shines in EuroBasket, Proving His Worth Against Tough Competition
Lauri Markkanen has been on fire since the start of EuroBasket, with a standout opening game where he dropped 28 points against Sweden. However, critics quickly emerged, claiming his strong performances were against weaker competition and that he wouldn’t be able to maintain his level of play against NBA-caliber teams.
But Markkanen proved them wrong when he helped Finland knock out Nikola Jokic and Serbia, a team many considered the favorites to win the tournament. Against Jokic and several current and former NBA stars, Markkanen delivered a commanding 29-point performance with crucial rebounds, helping Finland advance and solidifying that his EuroBasket success is no fluke.
Currently, Markkanen is averaging 26 points per game, ranking as the third-highest scorer in the tournament behind Giannis Antetokounmpo (30 PPG) and Luka Doncic (34 PPG). Any doubts about his ability to compete against top-tier teams should be put to rest, at least until he falters in a future match.
Markkanen’s Future in Utah: A Likely Trade Looms
Despite his standout summer with Finland, Lauri Markkanen’s future with the Utah Jazz remains uncertain. The Jazz are still deep in their rebuilding phase, and after a surprising draft pick in Ace Bailey, they are not expected to make a serious push for contention anytime soon.
Brian Windhorst of ESPN expects the Jazz to trade Markkanen in the near future, especially with the team looking to maximize their draft potential. His strong performances at EuroBasket will only increase his trade value, allowing the Jazz to ask for a higher price for the Finnish star.
For Markkanen, a trade could be an opportunity to join a more competitive team, where his talents might finally be fully utilized. His showing at EuroBasket is proof that he still has a lot to offer at the highest level, and the right team could help him take his game to the next level.
