Already last week, both starting fives for the All Star game were selected.
Last night, the seven substitutes in each team were presented, and there the 25-year-old forward from Finland was in the Western Conference team.
According to several different media, this is the first time that a Nordic player has been selected for the prestigious match.
- He deserves it.
He has done everything for us.
He's our guy, says Utah forward Mike Conley on Utah's website.
Sixth NBA season
After Utah's win over Toronto yesterday (131-128 vs. Toronto, 28 points by Markkanen), Utah coach Will Hardy talked about Markkanen.
- First of all: None of us hope.
We all EXPECT Lauri to be an All Star player, he said.
Lauri Markkanen, in his sixth season in the NBA, has had his big break this season.
He has averaged 24.9 points per game, and 8.7 rebounds.
In total, Markkanen is only the 22nd European to play in an All Star game.
The match will be played in Salt Lake City on February 20.