Lauri Markkanen reached the 30-point mark in three of Finland’s seven games at EuroBasket, leading the country’s national team to the quarterfinals. Jazz CEO Danny Ainge, who traded for Markkanen, was paying close attention, according to Ryan McDonald of the Deseret News. “He’s really coming into his own,” Ainge said. “We’re seeing things in him, grabbing rebounds and going coast-to-coast with the dribble. Those are things you haven’t really seen out of Lauri yet, and so we’re excited about his future.”
We have more from the Northwest Division:
- Donovan Mitchell took exception to Ainge’s recent observation that the Jazz‘s former core group “really didn’t believe in each other,” pushing back on that claim during an interview with ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. “I don’t think we didn’t believe [in each other],” Mitchell said. “I said at the end of the season, ‘Don’t trade [Rudy Gobert]. Let’s figure this out, let’s do.’ And that didn’t happen. For him to say that after six months around the team, I disagree. But you know, at the end of the day, that’s his decision.”
- Mitchell offered high praise for former Jazz head coach Quin Snyder and expects him to get another head coaching job, he said on a podcast with ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (hat tip to McDonald). “Losing a guy like Quin as the leader, as our coach, that was big for me, just not knowing what to expect next and how to go about it into training camp and whatnot,” Mitchell said. “That was tough, but I always loved Quin. I appreciated Quin. Quin’s going to get another job wherever. He’s going to do an amazing job, but ultimately he needed a break.”
- Nuggets assistant coach David Adelman has agreed to a two-year extension, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype tweets. Adelman is Michael Malone’s lead assistant and served as acting head coach when Malone had COVID last season. He has spent the past five seasons in Denver.
I hate to be this guy, I have a buddy who works for the Bulls and he would always say Markkanen is incredibly Home Sick. And that is the root cause of a lot of his inconsistency.
We all know why Ainge traded Mitchell for Markannen, he fits the agenda
To rebuild a franchise in a smart and methodical way, while remaining interesting and exciting. Ainge had no allegiance with Mitchell or Gobert,great trades by him,love Beasley hope they hold onto him.
Haha. Aing e make clown show. haha.
Really excited to see Utah this season. So many intriguing, talented players abt to get more shine than they’ve been used to. Some having their 1st real chance, (Jared Butler, Leo Bolmaro, Simone Fontecchio, Doke Azubuike) & a few having their 2nd or 3rd (Collin/Beasley/Vando/Lauri). Gonna be extremely interesting to see if they add any more young talented guys in possible Clarkson/Bojan/Gay trades
Yeah, I agree. I love not knowing what to expect. The team got stagnant at the end there.
I also is looking like the Jazz want to keep Conley around. They’re showing him in those practice promos. He’s a good influence on a young team.
The other vets, if we were competing for a playoff spot then I’d keep them, but they keep talking about starting over. You don’t do that with the same roster as last year. It’ll just be a matter of time before they’re traded. Hopefully, the hint of before training camp ends would be good.
LM is looking like a real prize from the trade. Sexton looks bigger and stronger. He’s always been fast. Agbaji is the one I feel could be a good leader type in the future. He’s well-spoken and intelligent along with highly skilled.
A very exciting time for the Utah franchise. Danny Ainge has a monster stockpile of draft picks, some young talent and a stockpile of veterans that he can trade for even more assets.
Under 500 and fading fast .
Die-hard UJ fans unite and spread the good lord’s word,
Prepare for His return? Repent now and not later? Build up His kingdom and not tear it down nor others?
I figure that I have a lot work to do, yet I try as best I can to repent right after I make mistakes and not wait.
God is always listening and waiting for us to bless us. He gives us trials and pain to make us stronger and humble. Sometimes bad things happen because we’re allowed to exercise our free agency or there would be no test. We need to prove we’re worthy to return to our Heavenly Parents and live eternally with them. Eventually, we’ll be taught to do what they do on our own. Perfected and Gods ourselves. Sounds like a fun adventure! =)
Of course, don’t take my word for it. Pray to God with real intent, having faith in Jesus Christ, and God will manifest the truth unto you.
I’ve done this and do this all the time and it works! I’ve had many of my prayers answered, but not just for my benefit. Pray for others as well as you’ll be blessed in the processed. That’s a beautiful symbiotic relationship.
Stay safe, everyone. Let me know how I can help you. And Go Jazz! =)
This is a basketball forum sir
Indeed. But I felt like someone needed to hear that. But thanks for reading anyway. =)
David Adelman is a very good assistant coach and I think he’s going to be a very good head coach when his time comes. His father Rick Adelman was a very good coach and really is underrated because he didn’t win a championship. His Portland Trail Blazers ran into the Bad Boys Detroit Pistons and Michael Jordan Scottie Pippen and the Chicago Bulls. Then his Sacramento Kings was one of the best teams to never win. One year they got cheated because that referee had the fix on. I’m sure they would’ve won if they got passed the Los Angeles Lakers. But we can’t change the past but Rick Adelman was a very good head coach. I think his son will be as well.
I think the Utah Jazz will be able to trade Bojan Bogdanovic Jordan Clarkson and Malik Beasley. They might even be able to trade Rudy Gay but I think they going to be stuck this year with Mike Conley Jr. Mike Conley Jr. is still solid but his skills have regressed and nobody going to want and take on all that money. He will be better served playing this last season out with the Utah Jazz and grooming up Jared Butler.
Your grammar is brutal.
His shooting actually improved. He had the 12th highest amount of 3-pointers in the league at over 40%. I hardly call that regression. Lol
Sell the name back to NO…
get some self respect …….
I’m sure they would’ve by now, if they wanted to. When you say Utah Jazz, do you think of anything else but basketball? I doubt it.
Danny Ainge is always running his big mouth with no idea what he talks about, SMH!