Utah's Markkanen Voted NBA's Most Improved, Fulfills Military Duty

Lauri Markkanen of the Utah Jazz was named the NBA's Most Improved Player for 2022-23.
Markkanen is currently serving in the Finnish military, but beat out Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Brunson for the award.
Markkanen averaged 25.6 points and 8.6 rebounds per game for Utah this season, shattering his previous career-highs.
Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 31.4 points, 5.5 assists and 4.8 rebounds for the Thunder.
Brunson put up 24 points and 6.2 assists per game in his first season with the Knicks.