Last season, as Utah stumbled to yet another lottery finish, Jazz officials acknowledged the toll the losing had taken on Lauri Markkanen. Ever since a breakout 2022–23 season—one highlighted by Markkanen’s first All-Star appearance and capped by being named the NBA’s Most Improved Player—Markkanen’s production had incrementally declined. His scoring average dipped a couple of points in ’23–24. His shooting percentages plummeted in ’24–25. As did Utah’s win totals, from 37 to 31 to 17 last season. Privately, the Jazz coaching staff understood—Markkanen was having a hard time finding motivation in meaningless games.
For Markkanen, last season was difficult. “It was frustrating,” said Markkanen on his way to the team bus after a narrow win in Boston on Monday. “Not a situation you want to be in.” The Jazz were across-the-board bad last season. An NBA-worst 30th in defensive rating. Offensively (24th) not much better. Only the Pelicans and Wizards had worse point differentials. For all practical purposes Utah’s season was over by Christmas. “I think he did a good job of remaining positive through it,” says Jazz coach Will Hardy, “but his play definitely struggled.”
