Jazz GM Issues Refreshing Lauri Markkanen Statement

It's no secret that this season was one filled with valleys and lowlights for the Utah Jazz en route to their worst record in franchise history, and guaranteed top-five pick for this offseason.

Nothing's come easy for this group across the past six months. Yet, it's hard to say those on the roster have lost confidence in what the Jazz and their front office are building in their long-spanning rebuild process.

In the case of Lauri Markkanen, even after a bumpy third year in Salt Lake City, he's remained committed to the grind of Utah's rebuild, especially after inking his stay in town for the next five seasons last summer as a result of his $200 million-plus extension. The All-Star talent has continuously reinforced his loyalty to the franchise, giving this team some much-needed confidence in how they can build for the next few offseasons.

Jazz general manager Justin Zanik recently spoke about how Markkanen's commitment has impacted their rebuild during his end-of-season presser, making sure to note the importance of his star's faithfulness.

“[You] like to have the partnership of understanding what's going on, while also being able to coach him like he doesn't have anything to do necessarily with our decisions as a group, other than him expressing confidence in us to build the team."Justin Zanik, Utah Jazz GM

For a small market, rebuilding teams like the Jazz are working with, finding top-end talent in the league opted into the program and are willing to commit to the long haul isn't always on the table. But for Markkanen, he's not only signed on for the next four seasons, but he made it known he loves Utah, and wants to be a prime component of what's being built on this roster.

Markkanen doesn't come off of the most impressive campaign by his metrics, as he finished the year averaging 18.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in just 47 games during an injury-riddled season. Yet, the skillset the 27-year-old offers is widely-known during a fully-healthy sample size, and with an extensive amount of time on his fresh contract, he'll have more than enough room left to make up for a rocky campaign like this one.

In the meantime until we see Markkanen next season, it's clear both the Jazz star and the front office sit on the same page entering a critical summer –– a major aid for Utah's ultimate goal of climbing to the top of the mountain.