Lauri Markkanen believes his Finnish teammate Miika Muurinen has something stronger than him.
Lauri Markkanen took the time to grow into the star he is today, but it’s hard to argue that he isn’t worth the wait.
Recently, the young star was sensational at the Eurobasket tournament. Markanen and Finland upset Nikola Djokic and Serbia, eliminating tournament favourites.
For all the critics who claimed he could not play winning basketball, Markanen proves they’re all wrong with his run at the Eurobasket.
But because he is as great as ever, Lauri Markanen believes Finland has another generation of basketball talent that is better than his age.
Lauri Markkanen spoke after the Finnish run at the Eurobasket ended with a defeat to Lithuania. He appreciated him when he discussed 18-year-old Finnish star Mikka Moulinen.
Markanen admitted that Moulinen is probably more refined and athletic than the age of 18. So I’m very excited to see him develop as it will benefit Finland in the long run.
“We got a lot of those comparisons. He’s really athletic. I don’t think he was jumping that high. He probably had the same energy that he actually has and was doing all the extra things.
“He was probably more athletic than I was 18. And I think he could shoot a little more at that point, so we’re a little different, but there are obviously similarities.
“But I’m really excited about him and his future and what he can bring to our team in the future.”
When Miika Muurinen discussed the skills to help him in the NBA, Lauri Markkanen pointed out his athletic ability, scale and competitive nature.
“Competitiveness, his length, his athleticism. He’s still young and can learn a lot, but I think he’s on the right path. Even after he was in this tournament and in the big leagues, he can really make his name.”
Lauri Markkanen is not the only person to praise and hype the young star. Tim Regler believes that Moulinen is the next big thing and even compares him to Markanen.
If Moulinen can develop into a strong player, he could become the top lottery in the 2027 NBA Draft, where he is expected to enter the NBA.