Lauri Markkanen Wins The 2022-23 Kia Most Improved Player | NBA on TNT

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[@DocsimusPrime]

Went from a role player to an all star STARTER. Let that sink in. Dude completely revamped his career. So well deserved 👏

[@youtubebandit826]

Gimme $50.

[@metro-sn]

He had to start for narratives, the game was in Utah.

[@TheOneNeo390]

@Peter Afriyie you do realize that the starters are chosen by the fans right? He earned it.

[@faheemiqbal9665]

if you think about it, shai went from talented young starter to all nba first or second team and almost taking a young team to the playoffs

[@nitheriam7682]

From playing a kids game to a soldier truly inspirational.

[@aivygile3569]

Leaving your amazing career for a while to honor your obligation in your country is so honorable of Lauri. Salute soldier!

[@Deepbarns]

🔥

[@brziperiod]

Man went from being "The Markksman" to being the marksman

[@magicofshootingstar]

He ain't leaving his career, he will be back before training camp. He does his service in two summers if needed 🙂

[@EgonCholakian156]

​@@magicofshootingstaryeah... he left his career for a while... that's accurate

[@Youralwayswhining4367]

America needs to start having kids out of highschool serve a couple years in the military.Definitely wouldn't hurt none.

[@janoycresnova9156]

Well deserved! Happy for Lauri!

[@agspec123]

chuck was hating tonight. left a bad taste

[@aquaviii]

8:06

[@wkatc007]

Earned*

[@Askadaa14vi]

So proud of Lauri as a Finn 🇫🇮 Great guy and a great player, i saw him playing in some same tournaments as a kid an I didnt believe he would make it this far, but its amazing he did!! Now the kids in finland can have a role model like Lauri and believe in their dreams

[@KL_Stereo]

A pissening award indeed, fan.

[@AnnamPrasanth]

Chuck: you know what’s crazy? Chuck: I live in Arizona.. Shaq: we know Ernie: that IS crazy! 😂😂😂 All timer right there!

[@FupaDoncic]

You can hear laughing in the back. Must be a fire place to work

[@poundtrader1414]

@@FupaDoncic man if i work in the background doing whatever, you would hear me laughing all the time, so much the show might fire me.

[@antarahibnshaddad7725]

They are hands down the best sports show. The characters make the show. Ernie is like The Godfather with a sweet soul, shaq is the goofy little brother that’s sensitive at times, Kenny is the responsible older brother that knows how to do his dirt lowkey and chuck is the no filter loud mouth brother that everyone loves to hate but really loves! It’s just an amazing cast with fun content

[@RewardBread619]

Lets go Lauri was hoping for your success ever since the bulls

[@vukica33]

This was an extreme emotional outburst from Markkanen by Finnish standards.

[@Sam19509]

He’s more excited they joined NATO lol.

[@brucelau2023]

Well deserved!!!! Happy for Lauri Markkanen all things deserved

[@robertjones3330]

All 3 of those guys had amazing seasons...all more then worthy. Congrats Lauri!

[@danielabatabogdanov8586]

more then worthy ?

[@robertjones3330]

@Daniela Bata Bogdanov yes, they were all more then worthy.

[@jdb6780]

than*

[@richardsong7732]

Utah won all the trades in every level this past offseason. 🙌🙌 congrats to Lauri!

[@dusk6159]

That was paramount for their future! And Lauri is a great talent

[@mvaloppies]

That Gobert trade will go down in the history

[@oN3xShOtxkilL]

As a bulls fan, I’m so happy for that man!

[@amadoumoustaphadieng8660]

Well deserved Mr Lauri! Senegal, West Africa.

[@pg13pacernation30]

Dude had an amazing season. I'm glad he got it.💪

[@vesper2950]

When the trade happened I was bummed to see Spida go and disappointed by the players we got back. Lauri really impressed me and continues to impress me each and every game he plays. My bad Finnisher and well deserved 🎉

[@KnowPhere]

I liked lauri when he was on my bulls. Showed flashes of great basketball IQ but got injured early. They also forced him into a spot up shooter when he’s more diverse. Glad he had such success this year.

[@DM-bu6to]

As a Jazz fan I’m so grateful to have him. Hope he can win our poverty franchise a ring one day just so we can experience that happiness at least once

[@movieghostofficial]

Lauri deserved that recognition and I also want to say that I greatly appreciate those people who go to military service for their country. 

[@laertignipeek]

Well deserved! Congrats Lauri!

[@ityoureboyjb4292]

😮 he in the army and the NBA brother you are true definition of hard work

[@Tonenokea]

He had flashes of this in Chicago and ever since I’ve seen I’ve been wondering when he was going to come in to his own. Congrats Lauri

[@wkatc007]

One thing about Lauri... He's a real Finnisher!

[@liamodonoghue5897]

Worthy winner Lauri congrats but huge shout-out to Brunson who has been balling!

[@JJack-eb5mc]

Mfs can’t stand seeing someone win

[@youngtrapper4953]

Huh he congratulated lauri and gave props to Brunson how is he hating on either of them

[@Lyndonswing]

A comment that is worthy of admiration.

[@ethanwhitman7956]

@@JJack-eb5mc mfs can’t stand seeing someone give credit where it’s due

[@blakewu1375]

Well-deserved. For once Shaq had something insightful to add....it's all about the right environment and opportunity. Even with future superstars, sometimes the old-school coaches wouldn't let them play for a long time (e.g., Kobe in his first 2 years under Del Harris). There are a lot of players who're better than we think, but are stuck on teams that don't let them shine. As a Lakers fan, it's bittersweet to see how the Lakers gave up or failed to allow their young players to grow the last 5-6 years (Lebron until Austin Reaves couldn't or wouldn't play well with young players), but who have been thriving after leaving the team: Julius Randall, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, Lonzo Ball (very sad with the knees), Mo Wagner, Larry Nance Jr., Zubac, Jordan Clarkson, Alex Caruso, Russell (who's back for a 2nd stint but may leave again, esp. if they try to get Kyrie--what a disaster that'd be, but that's another topic), et al. That's enough to fill a good team! If Reaves keeps improving, maybe he'll have a shot at this award next season (that's assuming they don't let him go like Caruso...same goes for Rui Hachimura).

[@galiojusticejustice3191]

The Lakers are the greatest suppliers of role players-turned-stars in the league

[@yormeaceko7101]

It irks me that you don't know how to use et al. but everything's good.

[@blakewu1375]

@@galiojusticejustice3191 Sadly you're right...

[@gf6938]

Lakers Scouting Appartement is crazy

[@MrSlashblade]

To be honest they’d never sprout under the lakers supervision. It’s mostly drafting busts or a HoF no in between. And none of em are HoFs.

[@janelavie4115]

Lauri’s comment on haircut was just great 😂

[@asukauser6146]

Well Deserved! As a Bulls fan I always wanted Lauri to be the guy, so good to see he is now!

[@movieghostofficial]

👍🏽👍🏽

[@Exhibit_C_me]

"Instead of S-G-A, say G-E-D"..😂😂😂

[@sheckyfeinstein]

I love it when a behemoth can be humble. Gr8 season, Lauri.

[@edmarcandelario]

Chicago, Cavs and Utah Lauri! I still love this man! Go Lauri!

[@wordsinahandle]

Love chuck. He's honest and kind

[@ragingfiip]

Congrats to Lauri, but these parts of the video were effing HILARIOUS.... 6:38 Shaq calling SGA "Shildress", LOL! Shai Shildress-Alexander 🤣 6:50 Chuck: Shaq, you know what's crazy? I live in Arizona... Shaq: We know. Ernie (sarcastically): That IS crazy. 🤣 🤣 8:02 Ernie: Dr. O'Neal. Chuck: Would you let him operate on you? Shaq: It's not that type of doctor, dumba$$! Ernie: Certainly speaks like a doctor... 🤣💀🤣

[@kentymashmilo758]

Ernie: how does it feel to have that haircut. Markkanen: uhm i havent cut it as short as you guys

[@ragingfiip]

@@kentymashmilo758 Lol yeah, that was a good part, too 🤣

[@charlibravo371]

Lol, thove these guys. Would love some more serious high level analysis.

[@solidwayz]

S/o Josh Childress

[@heddadybvadskog-nebb5603]

Kenny also called SGA Shai Grilldress Alexander just before Shaq hit us with the Shildress 💀

[@carlanderton3rd]

4:43 "I couldn't go as short as you guys" lol

[@timometsanoja9666]

#free_lauri and things will start happening. In all honesty, Lauri right now and how he played in Utah is like the perfect passing target to any playmaker ever. He moved very well without the ball and works to get himself and his teammates open for those easy shots and passes. He can get you like a dozen assists a game if you just hit him when he's open after all the action. A really easy guy to play with... And as he leads like he does, everything opens up like a charm. And the game becomes easier for everyone on his team. He truly is unstoppable and only improving...

[@DwayneIsK1NG]

As a Bulls fan, we all knew it was in him. He just needed a shot. So happy for him

[@aaronwebb7821]

i used to watch him in Chicago and always felt he was under-utilized. when Utah got him I was excited. I new he'd be an all star at some point. Was happy it was his first year. Love this guy in Utah.

[@AdamSilverBurner]

I was saying already two years ago that he’s got All Star potential, and he’s the type of player to really come alive during playoffs. Gonna be interesting to see if Utah are able to keep him

[@Babl069]

Humble, motivated, talented, plays disc golf. That's my MIP right there!

[@xaevius5319]

what's a disc golf?

[@skrbl174]

@@xaevius5319 Players complete a hole by throwing a disc from a tee pad or tee area toward a basket, throwing again from where the previous throw landed, until the basket is reached.

[@PlatinumState]

Chuck thanking Lauri for joining the Finnish army made me chuckle

[@tonyhernandez8920]

He seems like such a good dude

[@funnel.h]

'allow me to introduce myself, my name is Ernie"

[@sethevans7587]

That was silly asf. How they just kept adding to each other 😂😂

[@FlintlockYT]

I did my military service 14 years ago in the same place as Lauri. Happy to answer if there are any questions!

[@ethanwhitman7956]

Shaq saying “Shilgeous Alexander” had me dead

[@Phil-S8]

I read this right before he said it 🤣

[@ROSH1503]

Chicago had a gem in this guy, they fem up every good young talent they get man

[@frankycnguyen]

Does Ernie Cold read or riff his intro's? cause he's amazing when he's doing these prologues

[@jaycreati0ns73]

30+ years of experience

[@paulv7744]

Sir Charles lookin slim. Cut a bit more weight and Phoenix gonna sign this man.

[@jng24]

the ozempic is working

[@hegcho]

"Schildres" "just say sga" 😂😂

[@TeemuSintonen]

He's such a great guy. We'll deserved 🏀🔥

[@1800LUNATIC]

Easily the MIP. Amazing season. Love to see it

[@kapowjam3462]

So happy for Lauri!

[@Phil-S8]

Well deserved. 2 teams flat out gave up on this guy, because they didn't know how to utilize his talent and ability. Shaq hit the nail on the head with the word "permission," because the last two squads didn't let Lauri play his game.

[@magicofshootingstar]

Well Cavs would have kept him if possible but Utah said that if they wanted to have Donovan they needed to include Lauri and Collin in the trade and that's non-negotiable. 🙂 But he would never have gotten this opportunity with Cavs, so it all worked well. Also I agree that Shaq got it right because in the early parts of season other players in Utah talked how Lauri "disappeared" in the games for few minutes even when he were playing good otherwise and they needed to remind him to be the go to guy. I think that's not anymore a problem but that was what he were so used to his role to be.

[@billiethefrenchie]

Most improved haircut, too! 🎉

[@chadgiggey2178]

Well Deserved Lauri Markkanen GO JAZZ!!

[@tylersworld3583]

I really thought Lauri wasn't going to be able to react to getting the award with all of the military stuff hope everything goes well btw nice haircut but yeah Lauri deserved this award and while I would've been more interested in Shai getting it he was already a fringe All-Star player before that and has been their franchise player a few years now so I understand. Also Lauri is the only All-Star level player for the Jazz the Thunder are a more talented team and he is doing everything he can to keep them afloat. So yeah truly deserving of this award.

[@magicofshootingstar]

He got evening leave from military for this and went home. It wouldn't have been possible from the base, since curfew is at 10 pm and this happened at 2 am 😃

[@IronLloyd]

Anyone of the three deserved it. I'm happy the Finn got it though, Chicago blew their chances but he is on the right team now, the Utah Jazz. The coach is smart and I also give credit to Jordan Clarkson, this team will be a playoff contender once again.

[@jasonreyes9460]

I was waiting for shaq to say congratulations in Finnish. My man shaq the man of 1000 languages. 😂

[@-S-777]

Such a classy act. Wow

[@jordanjenkins1671]

Well done Lauri!!!!!

[@arrowzen7433]

Finland is the frontline of the entire West when it comes to Russia. Important work he is doing though he is not in the trenches. Hopefully he won’t have to.

[@John-qq6sb]

Shaq called him “Shilgeous” 😂😂😂 I am dyyying 😂

[@boombro4705]

Chuck: “Shaq you know what’s crazy? I live in Arizona” Shaq: “Yeah we know” Ernie: “that IS CrAsY” 😅😂

[@justtimes9257]

all three deserve it; you cant go wrong with your choice plus people dont realize lauri improvement was made durinf fiba basketball helped him alot

[@YaBoyyJohnNBA]

WELL DESERVED LAURI

[@akadanielmaia]

Living in Arizona of all places is really crazy indeed

[@xriegle]

It’d be nice if the winner of the awards weren’t spoiled in the title and thumbnail

[@alexserz2033]

These are clips from live show watch on tv!

[@xooperz]

​@@alexserz2033 can't really watch it abroad buddy 😂

[@KiarRushing]

@@alexserz2033 everybody not on tv bro. But I guess you came back to watch it on YT

[@ellissmith23]

I didn’t watch him play much this year but he was putting in work

[@TaniasUncle]

Lauri is an athletic freak for a man his size. He’s built like someone like LeBron but at 7ft. He’s one of the healthiest looking big men I’ve ever seen.

[@t-r9x]

Go jazz and he's deserved it played really hard plus all-star this season

[@Steezy_Malone]

SGA played like a top five players this year but Lauri Markkanen definitely had the biggest improvement from last year to this season and the jazz we’re not expected to be competitive

[@CureSz]

I don't know if it's scripted but Shaq's response to the GED comment is gold

[@andrewzaw7617]

Shilgeous also known as “SGA”

[@burnixone]

Shai had my pick but can’t go wrong with Lauri either, he got a platform to be an All-Star and he took it, no discrediting that

[@LindaMitchell]

Congratulations to Lauri! All the candidates were great this season.

[@acnicodemus4734]

Either Brunson or him will be fine. Lauri deserves it.

[@OmmikNenatnar]

Onnea/Congrats! Ansaitusti/Well deserved! 👏⭐🎷🇫🇮🏀

[@Nooguysorryyyy536]

“Just say SGA” 😂😂😂

[@GlueGuy20]

Shaq: Shilgeous? Ernie: Just say SGA. 😂

[@WoeIsLee]

Man Chuck just roasted Shaq at the end.

[@Avocado11]

Ernie with his understated pile on saying "Dr O'Neal" after he marble mouthed his way through a sentence.

[@lebzlovesanime]

Chuck has Shaq SCRAMBLING at 07:59 😂

[@poundtrader1414]

7:54 Chuck: Just for the record, just say G.E.D. that's better suited for you and your family tree 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@EmiliosFather]

🫡I fluck wit buddy after this season. Like the way he carried himself and how he went to serve his time like a man. Yea it’s not war time and he’ll get special treatment,BUT he coulda found a way out of it I’m sure. He showed his nation he ain’t ducking responsibility.👊🏽

[@GalacticAstroparticles]

"...... just say SGA!" 😂

[@GreilMerc7]

The Bulls have notoriously been bad the last few decades of cultivating talent. There was also mutiny among the players and coach. This kid was special when he was with us. You could see the potential, sky is the limit and I hope to see him make a playoff run.

[@samihyleh865]

I did'nt know what to say when people tought Lauri is going to a war when going military. In Finland army does not go to war anywhere. We practice how to defend our country, with a weapons, being in nature and with the discipline barracks training. I was there 1 year and went to a reserve as a corporal. Oh and everybody goes to reserve soldiers after army time. So if someone is attacking to our country we can deploy a loooot of soldiers in different tasks if needed

[@Kevmc02]

No way you’re real

[@samihyleh865]

@@Kevmc02 umm... I am.

[@msizicele3565]

The eye test tells you it should’ve been close but most of these awards go in-depth with stats and analysis.

[@ahau123411]

although he is very entertaining, shaq isnt always the best analyst. but his last point there was very good, he said it perfectly, "they need permission".

[@devonmamba]

He led the league in dunks.

[@InternationalHoven]

Well deserved for sure

[@Noushauga]

Boylen: you want touches, get the rebounds 😂😂😂

[@ohh2752]

Who else thought Shaq was laughing at 69 first 😅

[@Sbock86]

Very well deserved. 👏

[@watme.3914]

@shaq nice suit and tie combo @ernie though har me cracking up with the sarcasm.

[@horvaton]

Wish we still had the NBA awards!!! woulda been dope

[@Sam19509]

Lol no one watched it. That is why they canned it. The nba tried to copy the nhl and everyone saw through it.

[@jordantaylor3570]

Shaq dropping bombs / facts

[@DeeDee-ce6nu]

Hyvä Markkanen 🎉

[@kevinaquino4160]

"Thats is crazy"😂😂😂

[@wolf5raw]

Fantastic! Much deserved ~

[@nintendo8127]

SGA was a guy many people thought he potential to do something. Jalen Brunson whipped my Jazz even without Luka. It pains me because I wanted him, but no, we had to draft Grayson Allen. But Lauri? I think no Jazz fan was ever expecting this out of him. His first few reasons were ruined by terrible coaches (seriously, Bulls, I saw Boylen destroy Utes basketball, how could you ever think this guy could be head coach?) He didn’t come in being our best player, and we were supposed to be where the rockets were when the season started. Well deserved MIP, in my biased opinion.

[@CFM.1]

Anybody hear at 0:17 Kenny say “who” after Ernie mentioned some unknown player who if we are being honest none of us have ever heard of.

[@RossRadikSherman]

George Mikan was a center and the first star player in the NBA. At 6'10", he was by far the tallest player (other teams had 6'5" guys at center). He won five of the first six titles at the start of the NBA, between 1949-1954.

[@sethevans7587]

I did, that was silly asf he didn't know George Michen

[@xooperz]

How do you not know George Mikan and his legendary glasses

[@carlosromero-sn9nm]

I thought that at first but now I think he said "ooh!" or at least I hope so...

[@suphighlander2323]

Man as a Timberwolves fan having Zach Lavine Andrew Wiggins Kat and Drafting Lauri it still hurts. Traded Lauri and Zach Lavine for one season of Jimmy Butler

[@Realsaltyveteran]

Bro. Stay strong. I have no idea how tough it must be to be a fan of that franchise…

[@Dtxf3rn41]

The gobert trade tops that move lol

[@kohsmoger1567]

But you guys have Anthony edwards and you would have not have gotten him had you kept those other guys.

[@domjweb]

@@kohsmoger1567 let’s keep it a buck they’re probably going to lose him too 😭

[@kohsmoger1567]

@@domjweb I mean sure it is the timberwolves we are talking about them and Charlotte are the two worst mismanaged teams in the league

[@619Slipk]

"Shieldius" Names are Shaq's worst enemy

[@iig0r]

4:40 made me laugh really bad

[@þegðak]

He is the best finnish basketball player of all time