Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen does not hide his next personal goal: to return among the participants of NBA All-Star Weekend. A participant in the 2023 All-Star Game, the Jazz’s leader and one of the faces of the league’s European wave shares his motivation for the season and… names his starting five for a potential "World Team" in a "World vs USA" format.
"I Want to Prove My Star Wasn't a One-Off"
— Lauri, what does the All-Star Game mean to you today?
— It’s a status marker and recognition of how you lead your team through a season. I’ve been there and I want to return — not just to tick a box, but to confirm my level. Goals like this push me every day: I’m adding to my arsenal, working on reading the game and on shot consistency.
"When You Play for Your Country — You Feel a Different Weight to Every Possession"
— You often speak about national pride. How does it relate to the idea of a "World Team"?
— Representing Finland is a special feeling. And if you think broader, about the entire international group in the NBA, it’s almost the same drive. You feel like you’re carrying the flag of everyone who came into the league from other continents. It inspires you and also adds responsibility.
"The 'World vs USA' Format — Both a Show and a Serious Challenge"
— What do you think about the format itself?
— It would be fun and competitive at the same time. Pace, athleticism, lots of isolations and three-pointers — it’s all there. But there’s also real tactics: who stretches the defense, who protects the paint, who takes responsibility in the clutch.
"My World Starting Five? These Names Need No Explanation"
— Name your "World Team."
— Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, Victor Wembanyama, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
— Why exactly them?
— You have the best playmaker among bigs (Jokic) and an all-purpose defense wrecker (Giannis). Luka is the pace-setter and a leader in shot creation. Victor is a unique rim protector with a perimeter game who can change the course of a match by his presence alone. Shai is an elite scorer and creator with high IQ who consistently makes the right decisions in pick-and-rolls.
"Where’s My Place Next to Them? Wherever Spacing and Discipline Help"
— How would you personally fit into such a five?
— Spacing. I can play as a stretch forward: pick-and-pop, early relocation to the corner, a cut against a switch, off-ball work. Plus the size and mobility for switching so as not to break the defensive scheme. The main thing is discipline in the details: boxouts, timely safe passes, and "hockey" assists.
"The NBA's Internationalization — No Longer a Trend, but the New Normal"
— What would you say about the role of international stars today?
— It’s enormous. Different schools of basketball — European, African, Canadian — bring variety to the NBA. As a result, decision quality grows: bigs with the vision of point guards, guards with the physicality of forwards, wings who can defend three positions.
"The Finish-Line Goal — Return to All-Star Weekend and Bring the Best Version of Myself"
— What will prove that you’re ready for the All-Star Game again?
— Utah’s winning stretches, efficiency, and consistency. If I impact the game on both ends of the floor and help the team win, the rest will follow. And returning to the place where the best gather is not just a dream. It’s the plan for the season.
