The Utah Jazz have not backed off their stance that Lauri Markkanen isn't going anywhere this season. If they live up to the expectation of being one of the worst NBA teams, Markkanen's place on the team will only get questioned more and more as time passes. Bill Simmons explained that keeping him on the team would only serve to hurt their chances of getting the best lottery outcome.
"Why is he still on Utah?" Simmons asked. "... All he's going to do is hurt them as they try to get another high pick.
After his EuroBasket performance, Markkanen looks primed to return to form this coming season, which, if he does, could pose as a problem for Utah, as their offseason moves have signaled that they every intention of focusing on both acquiring and developing young talent above everything else.