Lauri Markkanen

Markkanen (rest) is in the starting lineup for Tuesday's preseason game versus the Kings, Tony Jones of The Athletic reports.

Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen opened up about the Golden State Warriors' and other NBA teams' pursuit of him in the offseason.

Markkanen is not in the starting five for Saturday's preseason game against the Spurs, Paul Garcia of ProjectSpurs.com reports.

After struggling with his shot in Monday's exhibition against the Rockets, Markkanen was much better in Dallas. This is the production level he's capable of and why he tends to be no worse than a third-round pick in most drafts. The concern for fantasy managers is a potential shutdown if the Jazz aren't fighting for a postseason berth. But that should not be used as a reason to let him slip out of the third round.

After having no issues against the New Zealand Breakers on Friday, Markkanen had an off-night on Monday. He struggled from the floor but still led the team in scoring by making a big impact from the free throw line. Markkanen should be drafted in the first few rounds in drafts this year, and there is no reason to be scared off by a poor preseason performance. He won't struggle like this often.