Army awaits? Lauri Markkanen included in the Finnish military service list / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: USA TODAY Sports - Scanpix Credit USA TODAY Sports - Scanpix

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Lauri Markkanen has been included in the Finnish Defense Forces Sports School list, meaning the NBA player may need to serve in the Finnish military.

Lauri Markkanen

MIN:31.84PTS:14.56 (47.48%)REB:6.13As:1.19ST:0.88BL:0.63TO:0.69GM:16ProfileNBA2021/2022

A total of 98 athletes from 20 different sports were selected for the III/22 entry round of the sports school. 82 athletes from 15 sports were selected for the Jaeger Regiment of the Guard, and 16 athletes from five different sports were selected for the Kainuu Brigade.

In general, men in Finland have to go through military service by the age of 28. Professional athletes are designated to serve in a special 'Sports School' unit that is meant to help athletes train while completing their military service.

The military service is supposed to start on April 11th, 2022, one day after the NBA regular season ends. The shortest military service to be fulfilled for an athlete is 165 days. It is currently unclear how Markkanen will complete his obligation to the country or if he will serve in the military at all.

The Finnish star is one of the leaders of the Cleveland Cavaliers, averaging 14.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 32 minutes of play.

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