Lauri Markkanen’s life changed just one day before the start of the European Championships.
Lauri Markkanen is trying to settle in Utah. AOP/USA Today Sports
A basketball player Lauri Markkanen the world was shaken on September 1st.
Markkanen was with Susijeng in Prague waiting for the start of the European basketball championships. The opening match against Israel loomed just 14 hours away.
Markkanen was playing the video game Call of Duty with his teammates at the hotel when a notification flashed on his phone. The Finn was acquired by the then club Cleveland Cavaliers Donovan Mitchell From the Utah Jazz.
– Am I part of this (shop)? Markkanen was joking According to Yahoo Sports.
Everyone was silent. Soon Markkanen’s phone rang.
The Cavaliers boss was on the phone Koby Altman, who said that the Finn was moving to Utah. Next, the head coach of the Jazz Will Hardy made a video call.
Markkanen, overcome by emotions, did not want to show his face, and did not answer.
– I will certainly remember for the rest of my life how it feels when I was traded. I didn’t expect that at all. I remember the feeling so clearly, Markkanen comments now.
The Finnish player couldn’t sleep. He went to walk the streets of Prague at night with the coach of the national team.
Media silence followed. Markkanen gathered himself for the Israel match and scored 33 points.
When Markkanen arrived for an interview after the game, he seemed surprisingly calm. Now he reveals that it was a time of great emotional turmoil.
– I knew how big a turn it was for my whole family’s life. That’s why the transfer was sensitive.
Lives in a hotel
Markkanen was shocked by the move. AOP/USA Today Sports
Markkane has two children with his wife Verna. Family is very important to Finns.
– When we had children, the game meant even more. I try to represent Finland and my parents as well as possible. When you have your own family, there is more to play for.
– At home, I can focus on spending time with my wife and children.
Markkanen managed to return home to Cleveland with his family. The couple bought a home and found a good school for their children.
In Utah, everyday life has not started rolling yet.
The family currently lives in Salt Lake City in two interconnected hotel rooms. On the other side there is a kitchenette and a laundry room. The other side is sometimes dedicated to Markkanen’s naps before the game.
There is only as much stuff as can fit in the suitcases.
– I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I wear team clothes a lot. It’s because I haven’t received most of my own clothes yet, says Markkanen.
Markkanen has played five games this season and scored an average of 22 points per game. The Utah Jazz are in third place in the Western Conference.