Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen plans to complete his compulsory service in the Finnish military this off-season, a league source has confirmed to The Athletic. Here’s what you need to know:
Markkanen, 25, is in the midst of a breakout season, fielding his first All-Star team and averaging a career-high 25.6 points remaining with 8.6 rebounds.
Finland requires its male citizens to complete their military service by the age of 30.
Should the Utah season end after the regular season, Markkanen will report for duty later this month, he told ESPN. Should the Jazz make the playoffs, he would report in July.
On Thursday, the Jazz are 36-43 and in 12th place in the West, 1 1/2 games behind the Thunder for 10th seed and last place in the play-in tournament.
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Markkanen grew up in Jyväskylä, Finland before moving to the United States to visit Arizona. He was drafted No. 7 by the Bulls in the 2017 NBA Draft.
The forward planned to serve after the 2021-22 season, but the Cavaliers, who made the play-in, contradicted that plan.
“It’s mandatory, we have to do it, but at the same time we’re proud of it,” Markkanen told ESPN. “I think it’s a good example.