Lauri Markkanen Has An Unfortunate NBA Playoff Streak

Ever since he was selected with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves and then traded to the Chicago Bulls in a deal involving Zach LaVine and Jimmy Butler, Lauri Markkanen has made his mark as a versatile scorer.

Markkanen’s stint with the Bulls lasted four seasons before he was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers, which was a stint that lasted a year before he was traded to the Utah Jazz in a deal involving Donovan Mitchell.

Although it looked like Markkanen would be on the move again, with the Golden State Warriors making a strong push to trade for him this offseason, Utah eventually signed him to a lucrative contract extension, setting up his long-term future with the Jazz.

Even though Markkanen is now known as a star in this league and the face of the Jazz, he does have one negative hanging over his head.

“Insanity: Lauri Markkanen is the longest active player to never reach the playoffs, per Basketball Reference. 8 YEARS … 419 GAMES,” Legion Hoops wrote on X.

Insanity: Lauri Markkanen is the longest active player to never reach the playoffs, per @bball_ref.

8 YEARS… 419 GAMES