Jazz Star Confirms Interest in Remaining in Utah

There is a rebuild underway in Utah, and it’s even more evident after a league-worst 17-65 record this season. The Jazz missed the playoffs for the third consecutive season. They haven’t participated since Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell were the stars of the show. Today, aside from Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen, a star is one important element Utah lacks. As it pertains to Markkanen’s role and future with the Jazz, the former all-star intends to stay for the rebuild, and the interest appears to be mutual from Utah’s side.

Jazz Star Confirms Interest in Remaining in Utah

Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen wants to be part of the rebuild

Not long ago, the Jazz were regular playoff contenders, not to mention a high-flying offensive team that was competitive in each series they played. Falling short of the finals year after year eventually led to the trades involving Mitchell and Gobert to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Minnesota Timberwolves. Both players have continued their playoff appearances, while the Jazz have taken a significantly large step backward. However, when ushering in a rebuilding of a franchise, a step backward is usually the starting point.

One thing going for Utah is their coaching situation. Will Hardy has done a solid job since taking over as head coach despite the losing record and missing the playoffs. Yet, Hardy appears to be the man for the job, and Utah GM Justin Zanik is in alignment with that. According to Sarah Todd of The Deseret News, he’s also in alignment with Markkanen’s status regarding his role on the Jazz and his part to play in their future.

“We’ll see when opportunities come up to add to the roster, but I see Lauri as a central part of what we’re doing, that’s why we signed him,” Zanik said. “We think he can be a huge piece for us as we join the competitive rings.”

The feeling is mutual

Markkanen seems to have found a home in Utah after spending time with Chicago and Cleveland. He became an all-star with the Jazz and is currently their best player and lone star. Zanik sees Markkanen as a central piece, and Markkanen sees Utah as the place he wants to be, as Todd writes.

“Definitely,” Markkanen said. “I feel like what I did last summer with signing here, that kind of tells you the confidence I have in the organization and the guys we have. I love being in Utah. We’ll see what happens in summer, there’s things that you can’t control, but I love being here and working out with the guys that we have and building this thing.”

It’s clear that Markkanen is a good fit in Utah. Not only does he bring an offensive threat to the roster, but he also brings veteran leadership to a team mainly made up of younger players, aside from Jordan Clarkson. Utah is a young team with a young head coach on the rebuild. For now, Markkanen is a part of it, and the Jazz are better because of it.