Rookie of year? Finn wants to win
MIAMI — So much for the stereotype of the humble Finn.
When asked about the Rookie of the Year award, Lauri Markkanen prefaced his response with: “If I couldn’t vote for myself ?’’
The 7- footer out of Arizona thinks he has put together enough of a body of work to at least be in the discussion, though he did admit that “I missed a lot of games, so that doesn’t help.’’
He missed his 13th game Thursday against the Heat with elbow soreness, but that doesn’t diminish what he has accomplished this season.
In 62 games, Markkanen is averaging 30.3 minutes, 14.9 points and 7.5 rebounds, shooting 43 percent from the field and averaging two three- pointers per game.
In most seasons, those figures would constitute a convincing campaign, but this isn’t your typical season.
Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell has been putting on a scoring clinic all season, and 76ers 6- 10 guard Ben Simmons, who’s eligible for the award after missing last season with injuries, is averaging 15.8 points, eight rebounds and eight assists.
“If I couldn’t vote for myself, I think it would be between Ben and Donovan,’’ Markkanen said. ‘‘ But with Donovan leading [ the Jazz] in scoring, and if they make the playoffs in the West, that will be kind of tough not to vote for him. At the same time, Ben’s averaging, what, 16, eight and eight?’’
One interesting point Markkanen brought up was that he thought Simmons shouldn’t be eligible for rookie of the year.
“I mean, I wouldn’t count him as a rookie just because he had the year of NBA experience even though he didn’t play, but he is counted, so I guess there’s nothing to do about that,’’ Markkanen said. “He doesn’t play like a rookie.’’
Markkanen was excited about the impact the entire class has made on the league.
Besides Markkanen, Simmons and Mitchell, there’s Kyle Kuzma, Dennis Smith Jr., Jayson Tatum, Josh Jackson, De’Aaron Fox, John Collins and Lonzo Ball.
“It’s not just like the top 10 picks are playing well,’’ Markkanen said. “There’s a bunch of guys playing well. It’s pretty cool to be a part of that class.’’
Zach attack
Zach LaVine said that he and Kris Dunn have a good understanding of each other’s games, going back to Minnesota last season. He did, however, admit that playing alongside Markkanen is a work in progress.
“You still have to figure out where the space is, where everybody is on the floor, our exact roles and each other’s spots,’’ LaVine said. “We’re all going to be fine once we figure out our games and work with each other.’’