By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Lauri Markkanen described the last years of his stint with the Chicago Bulls as challenging – from a mental standpoint – but also as an experienced that ultimately pushed him to grow even more.
“The last couple years have been mentally pretty tough,” Markkanen said to NBC Sports. “I’ve grown as a person because of that so I wouldn’t change it. I’ve learned a lot. But I just felt like I need to get back to the old me and how I know I can play the game. I think this is a good opportunity for me to do that.
Markkanen spent four years with the Bulls before moving to another Eastern Conference team. The Cavs acquired the Finnish player via a sign-and-trade deal and now he looks highly anticipated to show how far he can take his game in Cleveland.
“I don’t think I’ve hit close to my ceiling yet,” Markkanen said.
“I’m happy. I’m really excited and looking forward,” Markkanen added. “We kind of felt like I needed a fresh start. And I appreciate all the people who were involved to help facilitate it and make it happen.”
Markkanen believes he will successfully gel with his new teammates and particularly his frontline comrades.
“I think I fit in well — young core, exciting point guards. I’m looking forward to playing with those big guys in the frontcourt. They’re all young, talented guys. I think we can grow together,” Markkanen said. “And I can’t wait to learn from a player like Kevin Love. Just learn aspects of the game from him and the mentality of the game, how he approaches it. I’m looking forward to that as well.”