Lauri Markkanen: 'I don’t think I’ve hit close to my ceiling yet' / News - Basketnews.com

Finnish big man Lauri Markkanen was acquired by the Cleveland Cavaliers on a sign-and-trade on Saturday. The 24-year-old signed a four-year, $67 million contract with the Cavs.

Lauri Markkanen

Position:PF, CAge:24Height:213 cmWeight:116 kgBirth place:FinlandProfileNewsStatistics

Markkanen started his NBA career hot and averaged 15.2 points and 7.5 rebounds in his rookie season for the Chicago Bulls. His numbers improved even more in the following year - the 2.13 m forward was putting up 18.7 points and 9.0 rebounds per contest.

However, re-occurring injuries took a toll on the big man, and his numbers dropped to 14.7 and 6.3 in the 2019-20 campaign. Last season was even worse numbers-wise - Markkanen averaged 13.6 points and 5.3 boards.

Despite recent struggles, Markkanen is confident that he can turn his luck around and become the player NBA fans expected him to become.

"I don’t think I’ve hit close to my ceiling yet,” Markkanen told NBC Sports Chicago. "The last couple years have been mentally pretty tough. I’ve grown as a person because of that, so I wouldn’t change it. I’ve learned a lot. But I just felt like I need to get back to the old me and how I know I can play the game. I think this is a good opportunity for me to do that."

Markkanen has signed with one of the worst teams of last season, the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, that doesn't worry Markkanen, as he's ready for the challenge.

“I’m happy. I’m really excited and looking forward. We kind of felt like I needed a fresh start. And I appreciate all the people who were involved to help facilitate it and make it happen.”

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