Lauri Markkanen 2024-2025 Fantasy Outlook

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Lauri Markkanen is entering his eighth NBA season as he tries to lead the Utah Jazz back to prominence. He has played for three teams in his first seven seasons and has been involved in three separate trades. Jimmy Butler and Donovan Mitchell are just a couple of players he’s been traded for.

Markkanen has had trouble staying healthy throughout his career but in 2022-2023, he made his first All-Star appearance and won Most Improved Player for the season. In August 2024, Markkanen signed a five-year extension worth $238 million to stay with the Jazz long-term. He will be a key component for their current roster rebuild. Let’s analyze his fantasy value for the upcoming season.

Lauri Markkanen 2023 Statistics

Lauri Markkanen missed 27 games last season but still produced an effective statistical season. He averaged 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, two assists, and 3.2 three-pointers made. Markkanen continued his excellent efficiency last season falling just short of a 50/40/90 season. Since his rookie season, he has progressively increased his three-pointers made while continuing to shoot slightly below 40 percent from downtown.

Injuries caused Lauri Markkanen to plummet in the fantasy points rankings but when he was healthy he was a tough assignment for opposing defenders. In March of 2024, Markkanen scored a season-high 34 points against the Dallas Mavericks adding seven rebounds and two assists. He had 10 30+point games and 19 double-doubles in the 2023-2024 season.

Lauri Markkanen 2024-2025 Projections

The Utah Jazz are hoping for no injuries or setbacks for Lauri Markkanen in the upcoming season. When healthy, he is an All-Star caliber player and an immense difference-maker for the Jazz. ESPN projects him to average 23.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, two assists, and 3.2 three-pointers in 70 games.

Markkanen is a versatile player who can score at all three levels and carries the Jazz when needed. He is a top 35 fantasy player for the upcoming season with the potential to move into the top 25. Markkanen is a mid-round pick but could slide due to his injury history. He could be a steal if he avoids injury and plays a full season.

Final Thoughts

Expectations aren’t very high for the Utah Jazz going into this season but one bright spot will undoubtedly be Lauri Markkanen. This franchise has a rich history and though things look bleak, Markkanen can bring hope back to Utah. Pairing him up with another star or finding one in the draft will help elevate his game even more. It’s hard to believe Markkanen is only 27 years old but he is still in the prime of his career and needs to put this team on his back and lead them to success.

Markkanen has a lot to prove to those who doubt his durability and toughness but for a guy averaging nearly a 20-point double-double, he needs to let his play do the talking. If Markkanen reaches his ceiling this season, the Utah Jazz could snag a play-in spot and possibly, give your fantasy team a boost in the playoffs, too.

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Article originally written by Stuart Norris.