Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen was named as an All-Star for the first time in his career on Thursday, as the league announced the reserves for the 2023 All-Star Game.

Averaging career-highs of 24.9 points and 8.7 rebounds per game, Markkanen has been on a tear since last summer, when he shined during FIBA EuroBasket competition.

The seventh overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, Markkanen's growth has been a sight to behold. While Utah's decision to trade Donovan Mitchell to the Cleveland Cavaliers last offseason seemed to center around 24-year-old guard Collin Sexton at the time, Markkanen has been the one to become a focal point of the offense.

ā€œI had a high level of confidence coming in, especially after the summer I had,ā€ Markkanen tells The Athletic's Tony Jones.

ā€œI didnā€™t specifically write down All-Star as one of my goals, but I wanted to take things day by day and stay in the moment.ā€

ā€œI wanted to do what it takes to get wins and build this thing with this team. So, All-Star didnā€™t really cross my mind. But I came in here ready to work and ready to do what it takes every day.ā€

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Lauri Markkanen surrounded by piles of cash.

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Sixers' Buddy Hield smiling, with silhouette of Jazz's Lauri Markannen beside him

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With the Jazz sitting at 27-26, they're currently 8th place in the Western Conference standings. Markkanen has his team firmly in the playoff hunt. This just a season after they finished 5th in the Western Conference standings while having All-Stars in Mitchell and Rudy Gobert.

At just 25-years-old, Markkanen may have found a long-term home in Utah. Should he keep performing at this level, not only might he stay with the Jazz past his current contract, but he might even emerge as a perennial All-Star candidate.

Even if that's not his focus.