The San Antonio Spurs have added young talent through recent drafts, but questions remain about their lack of perimeter shooting. Kevin O’Connor believes Lauri Markkanen could be the answer.
O’Connor discussed the fit, highlighting the 7-foot Utah Jazz forward as an ideal target. “Lauri Markkanen is one of the types of guys that if I’m the Spurs, I’m like, ‘Yes, sign me up. Bring me Lauri Markkanen,’” O’Connor said, via Basketball Forever on X.
He pointed to Markkanen’s ability to space the floor, move without the ball, and contribute as a passer. According to O’Connor, the Finnish forward’s skill set aligns perfectly with what San Antonio needs alongside Victor Wembanyama.
Markkanen, 27, averaged 19.0 points and 5.9 rebounds this season while shooting 34.6 percent from three last season. His career averages include 18.2 points per game on 37.1 percent from beyond the arc, demonstrating consistent outside shooting.
The Spurs’ current roster has length and defensive versatility but lacks reliable floor spacing. Their frontcourt rotation includes Wembanyama, Jeremy Sochan, and Kelly Olynyk, but none provide the same offensive gravity as Markkanen.
San Antonio recently drafted Dylan Harper and Carter Bryant to strengthen the backcourt and wings, while Stephon Castle continues to develop as a two-way guard. Yet with De’Aaron Fox sidelined, the need for offensive balance remains clear.
For O’Connor, adding a proven shooter like Markkanen would accelerate the Spurs’ rebuild. “He brings exactly what the Spurs need with his shooting ability in the frontcourt,” O’Connor said. “That’s where I come down with it. I think they need to trade in part because of the lack of shooting.”
The Jazz forward, an All-Star in 2023, has been linked to trade rumors over the past two seasons, with multiple teams expressing interest. Whether Utah is willing to move him will depend on their long-term direction.
