After a bounceback season with the Cleveland Cavaliers and a strong showing for the Finnish national team in the EuroBasket tournament that following summer, Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen has had a career season in Salt Lake City and looks to be the frontrunner for the 2023 Most Improved Player award.

Markkanen, who was drafted in 2017 and has played on three teams since then, would welcome the honor (h/t HoopsHypeā€™s Michael Scotto).

ā€œI think it would be great. With the regular season about to end and I start hearing that stuff, it would be a pretty cool trophy to have at home. I take a lot of pride in the hard work and, like becoming an All-Star, knowing what Iā€™ve gone through and being able to bounce back from that would mean a lot for me. Hopefully, I get it done. It would be pretty cool.ā€

Markkanen averaged 25.6 points and 8.6 rebounds for the Jazz this season.

Article Continues Below
Related Utah Jazz News
Baylor Bears guard VJ Edgecombe (7) passes the ball away from Mississippi State Bulldogs forward Cameron Matthews (4) during the second half in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Lenovo Center.
Ranking 3 best VJ Edgecombe destinations in 2025 NBA DraftSpencer See Ā·
New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) dribbles the ball against Utah Jazz power forward Derrick Favors (15) during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. Utah won 114-109.
Carmelo Anthony reveals he was almost traded to Jazz instead of KnicksZachary Howell Ā·
Austin Reaves photoshopped in Jazz jersey.
Jazz trade proposal for Austin Reaves in offseason amid Lakers rumorsBailey Bassett Ā·
denver nuggets, kevin durant, lauri markkanen, myles turner
3 early Denver Nuggets trade targets in 2025 NBA offseasonGarrett Kerman Ā·
image thumbnail
1 player Denver Nuggets must trade in 2025 NBA offseasonGarrett Kerman Ā·
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) dunks against Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) during the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center.
76ers rumors: Kevin Durant, Lauri Markkanen linked to Paul George trade packagesTroy Finnegan Ā·

Should win the award, he would be the first in NBA history to receive the rebranded George Mikan Trophy.

However, he makes it clear that his success this season isnā€™t just the byproduct of his individual performance. The 25-year-old also thanks his teammates and coaches for putting him in position to be so effective.

ā€œI always thank my teammates and coaching staff for the year Iā€™m having. Itā€™s not like Iā€™m playing isolation basketball. Iā€™m on the move a lot, and my baskets are assisted. I donā€™t think it wouldā€™ve happened without them. I have a system that plays to my strengths, and personnel-wise, everyone buys in and believes in what weā€™re doing.ā€