Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen has blossomed into one of the best wing scorers in the NBA. Markkanen is also a prized member of Finland's national basketball team. However, Markkanen's native squad was hit with a tough update as they prepare for the 2024 Summer Olympics.

A right shoulder injury cut Lauri Markkanen's 2023-24 NBA season short, and recovery from the ailment is spilling into the offseason. Markkanen will sit out Finland's 2024 Summer Olympics campaign, per EuroHoops.net.

The star forward gave his feelings on the news with a statement.

“Certainly, this is tough,” Markkanen admitted. “Representing Finland and playing for the national team is an honor for me. Along with my teammates, we have been talking all season about how sweet it would be to advance to the Olympic Games.”

Markkanen's absence is a huge blow to Finland. In 2023, the sharpshooting forward won Finland's 2023 Athlete of the Year after a breakout NBA season. Here is what Markkanen had to say about the prestigious honor.

“It was really cool,” Markkanen said about winning, per NBA.com. “It’s a really prestigious award in Finnish sports. Not a lot of team sports athletes have gotten it. … Just knowing what kind of athletes from across all the sports that Finland produces, just being on the list makes it more meaningful.”

Finland will have to find a way to advance to the Summer Olympics without their star player.

Finland basketball prepares for Olympics without Jazz's Lauri Markkanen

Finland's national basketball team, also known by fans as “The Wolf Pack,” will have a loaded schedule ahead of them.

Between July 2 and 4, the Wolf Pack are scheduled to face the Bahamas and Poland in the preliminary round of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Hosts Spain, Angola, and Lebanon will battle for two berths out of Group A. After the Semifinals and Finals, the last country standing will book a ticket to the Olympic Games. The remaining team will join Group A with Australia, Canada, and the winner of the OQT in Greece.

Finland head coach Lass Tuovi acknowledged that Markkanen's absence will hurt. Yet, he understands that his team must rise to the occasion despite woes.

“If the history of the national team counts, we are always at our best as underdogs,” Tuovi said. “We will miss Lauri, but basketball is a team sport. Even if a player is sidelined, the next player takes his place.”

The hope is that Markkanen will be able to play in the 2025 EuroBasket, which Finland is among the hosts of. The star forward said he has the dates marked on his calendar, so he undoubtedly wants to play in the future competition.

Lauri Markkanen is coming off another impressive NBA season. He averaged 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and a career-high 0.9 steals in 55 games during the 2023-24 season. The 7'0″ foot forward has a bright supporting cast around him. In addition to getting healthy for international play, Markkanen wants to help the Jazz climb the Western Conference standings.

Once he returns healthy, Markkanen should be due for another great offensive campaign.