“I don’t suppose I’ve hit near my ceiling but”

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The Cleveland Cavaliers have wager huge — $67 million huge — that the perfect of Lauri Markkanen is forward of him. And it’s significantly better than what he’s proven in Chicago.

Demand for Markkanen’s providers appeared low when the Cavaliers swooped in and picked up the Finnish huge man as a part of a three-team commerce. Whereas pundits largely panned the Cavs’ position in that sign-and-trade, Markkanen was very optimistic about his future in talking with Ok.C. Johnson of NBC Sports activities Chicago.

“I don’t suppose I’ve hit near my ceiling but,” Markkanen mentioned in a cellphone interview with NBC Sports activities Chicago…

“The final couple years have been mentally fairly powerful,” Markkanen mentioned. “I’ve grown as an individual due to that so I wouldn’t change it. I’ve realized loads. However I simply felt like I have to get again to the previous me and the way I do know I can play the sport. I believe this can be a good alternative for me to do this.

“I’m completely satisfied. I’m actually excited and looking out ahead. We type of felt like I wanted a recent begin. And I admire all of the individuals who have been concerned to assist facilitate it and make it occur.”

Step one to Lauri Markkanen to get again to “the previous me” could be to remain wholesome. He missed 21 video games final season — as a result of league’s COVID well being and security protocols, plus a shoulder damage — 22 video games the season earlier than that, and 30 the season earlier than that. He has struggled to simply keep on the courtroom.

When wholesome he has proven flashes, and final season he averaged 13.6 factors per recreation and shot 40.2% from 3. Markkanen went into free company in search of a bigger position with a group than he foresaw in Chicago, however Cleveland — with simply drafted Evan Mobley, simply re-signed Jarrett Allen, plus Kevin Love not going wherever — will probably be a troublesome place to carve out that position. Frontcourt minutes will have to be earned.

Markkanen must be completely satisfied, he received what he needed — out of Chicago and a big payday.

Now he simply has to dwell as much as the wager the Cavaliers made on him.

Try extra on the Cavaliers

Kevin Love has ‘no curiosity’ in discussing contract buyout with… Cavaliers ‘strongly deny’ any buyout talks with Kevin Love Winners/losers from three-team Lauri Markkanen commerce to Cavaliers

Lauri Markkanen: “I don’t suppose I’ve hit near my ceiling but” initially appeared on NBCSports.com

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