Despite the fact that he had a short-lived moment as a key member of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Lauri Markkanen got nothing but love for the said organization.
Markkanen told HoopsHype’s Mike Scotto that playing in the Cavs last 2021-22 gave him a much-needed “refreshing” outlook in his developing career, as the franchise allowed him to flourish further and enjoy playing basketball again after a downing four-year stint with the Chicago Bulls.
“It was a refreshing year for me. I’m not knocking Chicago or anything like that, but I put so much pressure on myself. Then, not being able to perform at that high level, I kind of lost the joy of the game because I was expecting big things, but it wasn’t happening. I think Cleveland was an important year for me to be with a really great group of guys in the locker room and their staff. They definitely worked on my body that summer. They moved me to play the three, and that was a big change in my career. I think I needed that year to physically get to that point where I could do that, having that belief, and mostly the fun part. It was disappointing we didn’t make the playoffs after getting into the Play-In Tournament, but it brought out the enjoyment back to basketball.
“It fed into the summer I had and built my confidence back up. I’m not saying Chicago didn’t believe in me, but seeing it was a refreshing year for me.”
Before rising to stardom as a Jazzman in Utah, Markkanen cherished every ounce of faith and optimism from the Cavaliers last season.
Markkanen was ultimately unlocked by coach J.B. Bickerstaff to play the small forward spot, a position that he now enjoys in his All-Star season this 2022-23. He averaged 14.8 points, 5.7 boards, and shot 44.5 percent from the field with the youthful Cleveland squad who, despite coming up short to qualify for the playoffs, still turned heads around with their exciting and flashy plays.
Now having the keys to the Jazz franchise, Markkanen remains grateful and confident to bring that unwavering trust in the Cavaliers team from the past in order to step into greater heights for years to come.
