Lauri Markkanen

“My dad was just trying to make sure even though I was taller than the other kids they're not putting me just to play back to the basket and making me a center and you can't do anything else. He had a lot of effect on that, talked to the coaches that I am going to play the point guard even though I am the tallest guy on the team.”

“Just looking at where I grew up, having nature all around me, that was really important.”

“You learn a lot every game you play so I've gotten more comfortable every time I've stepped on the court.”

“Obviously I've got team goals and I'm always gonna push those first, but like at an individual level that's always been my goal. Not just to be one of the guys in the league, I want to make it to the top.”

“I want to play no matter what. But got to be healthy to play.”

“To be honest, even though I expect a lot from myself, for my rookie year I knew how tough it would be. So I didn't have too many expectations for my first year.”

“I'm doing everything in my power to perform to the best of my abilities on the floor. And we'll see where that takes me.”

“I have to be a little bit selfish and give credit to myself. The actual amount, the work I put in - it's like, I can't even tell you how many hours I put in on a daily basis to work on my shot.”

“I don't think we're here just to have a good time... We're trying to win games and play meaningful games.”

“I've tried to lead by example.”

“I hear a lot of comparisons to Dirk so of course I watched him when I was growing up, especially when I started getting taller.”

“I'm trying to be a complete player.”

“I think I can do multiple things. Take one thing away from me and I think I can do other stuff.”

“When I get stronger, I can get to my spots easier and finish around the rim better.”

“I've heard a lot of stories about guys not going to class in college, especially second semester. That wasn't me.”

“Once I got a little bit taller I forgot about that dream. But when I was a little kid I was dreaming of being a hockey goalie.”

“I expect big things from myself and I'm never satisfied.”

“I'm a big hockey guy.”

“All of your experiences in the past, you kind of remember everything that you've gone through in your journey.”

“I am just trying to get the rebound and get off and running.”