For the Jazz, Lauri Markkanen is having a fantastic season and is a strong contender to play in his first All-Star game. The Finnish forward stated that his better play was a result of his outstanding performance at EuroBasket and being in excellent physical shape. He added that he anticipated the squad to have success in 2022–2023.
Markkanen admitted, “I had great expectations, especially following this summer. “I gained confidence while playing for my country. Many NBA players played in EuroBasket. I’m in the best physical form of my life. I began with big expectations, however. On this team, we have a lot of talented guys. I, therefore, had great expectations for the team even before the season began, especially after training camp had begun.
We have an excellent crew. We simply need to maintain our communication and capitalize on our chemistry. There are several new guys here. But when I was in Cleveland the previous season, that also happened. Everyone had their doubts about you at the start of the year. So we got off to a good start. I felt we had a strong team coming into training camp after having that experience. We just need to keep moving forward, keep getting to know one another better, and stay on the same page.
Markkanen also claims that because games were broadcast in the middle of the night when he was growing up in Finland, he was only able to watch highlights and recaps and that he didn’t start watching NBA games until he moved to the United States to attend Arizona for his collegiate career. It’s worth reading the entire interview with Medina since it’s interesting.
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According to Eric Walden of The Salt Lake Tribune, big man Kelly Olynyk, who had recently missed four straight games due to a left ankle strain, was able to play again on Wednesday in Golden State’s defeat. The Canadian, 31, is having a strong season for Utah, averaging 12.8 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 3.2 APG, and 1.1 SPG through 33 games on.520/.431/.835 shooting (28.5 MPG).
Kelly Olynyk will be AVAILABLE tonight vs. the Warriors
— Eric Walden (@tribjazz) December 28, 2022
David Fizdale’s transition from coaching to serving as the Jazz’s associate general manager is described in depth by Marc J. Spears of Landscape. Last year, Fizdale worked as a Lakers assistant coach, but Darvin Ham took a different path. Fizdale was given the opportunity to work as Nate McMillan’s assistant coach with the Hawks, but he ultimately chose to accept the front-office post with the Jazz. Fizdale told buddy and Jazz co-owner Dwyane Wade that “being a more present husband and parent” played a significant role in his desire for a different position, according to Spears. Wade subsequently informed Ainge of Fizdale’s interest.
The Salt Lake Tribune’s Walden and Andy Larsen discussed a variety of subjects on the How ‘Bout This Jazz podcast, including the rumored notion that Utah was considering a three-team deal, youngster Walker Kessler’s pleasant surprise, prospective lineup adjustments, and other subjects.
