Jazz Unveil All-Star Campaign For Lauri Markkanen
Jan 2, 2023, 1:20 PM
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (photo: Utah Jazz)
(photo: Utah Jazz)
SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Jazz released their campaign to get Lauri Markkanen into the All-Star game.
All-Star voting opened shortly before the Christmas holiday, but the Jazz began their official push for Markkanen shortly after the New Year.
In the midst of a career year, Markkanen has made a strong push to be named to his first All-Star game.
It’s time the 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿 becomes an 𝗔𝗹𝗹-𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿 🌟
❄️ Vote now! äänestä! ❄️https://t.co/X4WJXzIrma#NBAAllStar | @lgcypower pic.twitter.com/W58M346DGr
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) January 2, 2023
The Jazz jumped out to a surprising 10-3 start to the season as Markkanen established himself as one of the premiere offensive players in the NBA.
The Finnish forward has scored in double-digits in all 36 appearances for the Jazz this season.
Now in his sixth season, Markkanen is averaging career highs in points (23.8), assists (1.9), and shooting percentage knocking down 53 percent of his field goal attempts, and 43 percent of his threes.
Markkanen is one of only two players this season to average at least 20 points while shooting better than 50 percent from the floor and 40 percent from three, joining Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry.
The Jazz acquired Markkanen over the summer in a package that included Collin Sexton, rookie Ochai Agbaji, and multiple future first-round draft picks from the Cleveland Cavaliers for guard Donovan Mitchell.
Jazz Hosting 2023 All-Star Game
Markkanen would be the Jazz lone representative on All-Star Sunday Night when they host the event for the first time since 1993.
“We’re going to roll in Utah from Salt Lake to Park City,” Jazz owner Ryan Smith said during the 2022 All-Star broadcast at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. “Don’t come for a couple of days, come for the whole week.”
Last February the Jazz released a video of all 30 All-Star Weekend logos dating back to the last time the event was held in Salt Lake City.
The countdown starts now ⏲️ pic.twitter.com/DlIHDYzHDy
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 21, 2022
The Jazz were awarded the 2023 game in 2019 when the team was still under the ownership of the Miller family.
In 2016, Vivint Arena received a $125 million renovation under the Miller’swhich helped them land the star-studded weekend.
Both Sacramento and Milwaukee also bid on the 2023 All-Star Weekend which is expected to generate $45-50 million in economic impact for the state according to former Governor Gary Herbert.
