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Lauri Markkanen transitioned from supporting his native Finland during the 4 Nations Face-Off in the NHL to expressing interest in the NBA’s consideration of an international format for its annual All-Star Game.
The idea of a matchup between Team World and Team USA has been gaining momentum in recent years. Inspired by the NHL’s successful redesign of its All-Star format during the midseason, similar concepts have begun to circulate within the NBA.
“I’m not sure what the precise structure would look like. Would it be a contest between the World and the U.S., or North America maybe… or perhaps centered around France? They’ll need to sort that out,” remarked the 27-year-old Finnish player from the Utah Jazz, highlighting the differences in available player pools compared to the NHL.
“I think it’s an excellent format that turns the break into meaningful games. You always want to represent your country,” he reflected on the 4 Nations Face-Off during a press conference on Friday, “That was an exciting experience.”
In the context of the NBA, forming Team Europe could be a viable option.
“It may not be exactly the same, but it certainly ranks high,” Markkanen compared the possibility of joining Team Europe with playing for Finland’s national team, “There’s a sense of brotherhood here. When you face a European player from the opposition, you chat with them post-game. It’s as if you share a bond, despite hailing from different countries. Just being here in the United States creates a connection among us. Representing Europe would definitely instill a sense of pride, yet your national allegiance will always remain paramount.”
In 2023, Markkanen received an All-Star selection and was recognized as the Most Improved Player for the 2022-23 season.
“Being part of the All-Star Game every year is a dream of mine. That’s my goal, without a doubt, but I haven’t watched the last few games. I see it from both angles; you want to compete, but it’s also about entertaining the fans and putting on a show,” stated Markkanen.
In his eighth season in the NBA, the former Arizona standout is averaging 19.2 points per game. At 13-42, the Jazz are currently 14.5 games behind the Play-In spot in the Western Conference.
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