Fans React As Jazz Star Undertakes Mandatory Military Service

(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

The Utah Jazz have found a budding star on their hands in forward Lauri Markkanen.

He is a finalist for NBA’s Most Improved Player award, for good reason.

Markkanen was named to his first All-Star team this year and saw his points per game increase from 14.8 to 25.6.

He seems to have found a home in Utah and should be there for the foreseeable future.

But, this offseason Markkanen has an obligation he must take care of.

That is serving in the Finnish Army.

Military service is mandatory for men in Finland over the age of 18.

Also, the service must be completed by the age of 30.

So Markkanen (age 25) felt like this offseason would be the best time for him to get that done.

According to NBA on ESPN, the Jazz star has officially begun his military service.

Lauri Markkanen has offically begun his service in the Finnish army pic.twitter.com/V6YWMYRjI2

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 19, 2023

Many fans are showing their support for Markkanen as he begins his new journey.

Thank You, Lauri!

— King Finkle (@finkleberryyy) April 19, 2023

Best to u brother

— Who Cares ll (@notrollzonefam) April 19, 2023

Also, after the incredible season he had on the court, you can expect he will be just as good as a soldier.

Most valuable solider

— Russ’ TD (@RussFcb) April 19, 2023

Markkanen has to be proud to serve his country and give back to the place where he spent most of his life.

— Yannik Alinyoh (@YAlinyoh) April 19, 2023

While his offseason will be anything but usual for an NBA player, it should not affect his play.

Markkanen will be back on the court next year looking to return to All-Star status.

He still has his prime ahead of him, and he has seemingly reached his full potential in Utah.