Heartbreaking Lauri Markkanen trend will only continue if the Jazz keep him

Orlando Magic v Utah Jazz | Alex Goodlett/GettyImagesThe Utah Jazz have not wavered in the slightest from their stance that Lauri Markkanen will stick around with the team. While it's understandable that the team doesn't want to part ways with its only proven star on the roster, if they stick to their word, Markkanen's sad streak of missing the playoffs will only continue.

Markkanen is entering his ninth NBA season, and he has yet to make the postseason. The Jazz star has played in 450 NBA games total, which is good for the 15th most among players in NBA history in terms of games played and having never made the postseason. If the Jazz miss the playoffs again, he could rise as high as…