Lauri Markkanen on tanking: I don't think purposefully losing should be part of professional sports
In particular, at the Jazz’s practice in between their two games against the New Orleans Pelicans, I went up to Lauri Markkanen and just asked him frankly: “What do you think about tanking?” He paused — he didn’t want to say the wrong thing — but he had thoughts to share. “I don’t think losing, or purposefully losing, should be part of professional sports. I feel like athletes always want to compete. I understand why some organizations around the NBA are doing it, but I feel like it sucks, in my opinion,” Markkanen said. “There should be a better way to build rosters. That’s the way it’s been, so I understand it, but that’s my opinion.”
Source: Salt Lake Tribune
What's the buzz on Twitter?
I asked Lauri Markkanen and Patty Mills what they think about tanking, generally.
sltrib.com/sports/jazz/20… - 11:21 AM
More on this storyline
Andy Larsen: Jazz say John Collins, Jordan Clarkson, Lauri Markkanen, Collin Sexton, and Johnny Juzang remain out for tomorrow’s game. Collin Sexton will be out due to rest. Keyonte George and Elijah Harkless are listed as questionable. -via Twitter @andyblarsen / January 14, 2025
David Thorpe: Utah would be one of those teams with [Lauri] Markkanen. The Jazz have no problem trading, and they have a lot of young talent. Though Markkanen’s a guy we’re not hearing anything about this trade season—maybe he’s not 100 percent. The Thunder getting Markkanen, if he’s healthy, would be just incredible. -via TrueHoop / January 13, 2025
Andy Larsen: Kyle Filipowski and Brice Sensabaugh will play today, but Lauri Markkanen is downgraded to out. -via Twitter @andyblarsen / January 12, 2025
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Lauri Markkanen on tanking: I don't think purposefully losing should be part of professional sports
