Lauri Markkanen brought the NBA star to visit Finland – this thing surprised

Utah One of the star players of jazz Keyonte George told The Athleticillehow he honed his cooperation with the team’s Finnish star Lauri Markkanen with.

George packed his things last summer and visited Markkanen in Finland. The young man wanted to strengthen his connection with Markkase and wanted to see the Finn in his own home environment.

George learned what Markkanen is like with his family and other loved ones.

Markkanen introduced the American, for example, to the school he attended as a child. The two also visited the gym, where one conversation opened George’s eyes. Markkanen shared his typical dry humor in the gym with an acquaintance.

It was far from basic American conversation. George was amazed. Markkanen’s behavior and whole being in Finland were different from what the American was used to.

“That’s not the guy I’ve played with,” George told The Athletic of his reaction.

The trip was worth it. The age difference of more than five years between the players has not been a disadvantage. George is now 22 years old and Markkanen is 28. George and Markkanen became more than playing buddies last year. They became friends.

Markkanen appreciates that George traveled to Finland as his guest.

“George was one of the first to come to Finland to see where I come from. It’s wonderful to see how our relationship has developed. We spend more and more time outside the field and listen to each other. It shows in the results on the field,” Markkanen told The Athletic.

Below is Utah Jazz’s tweet about Markkase and George in Helsinki in the summer of 2024.

Markkanen’s GPA in the current season is a handsome 28.0 and George’s is 22.8.

Utah hasn’t done well in the NBA in recent years, and rumors have kept Markskas moving to another club.

As a counterweight, there has been talk of building Utah’s “new team”, where Markkanen is counting on a lot. The Finn seems committed to the project.

“It would be really important for me to see this rebuilding of the team to the end,” Markkanen said and continued.

“I greatly appreciate the journey where the team develops step by step and finally breaks through. I would definitely like to be a part of creating the next successful Jazz team,” said Markkanen.

Utah’s balance after the first 20 games of this season is 7 wins and 13 losses.