Jazz All-Star Markkanen to serve in Finnish military during offseason

Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen will return to his native Finland during the offseason in order to complete mandatory military service.

"It's mandatory, we have to do it, but at the same time we take pride in it, too," he told ESPN's Ramona Shelburne. "I think it sets an example to serve. And I'm confident I can do it in a way that it's not going to affect my preparation for next season, either."

Finland requires all of its male citizens to complete military service by the time they turn 30.

The arguable favorite for the Most Improved Player award has excelled in his first season in Utah, posting a career-high 25.6 points per contest and making his first All-Star Game. The six-year pro is also registering 8.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists while hitting 39.1% of his threes and helping keep the No. 12 Jazz within 1.5 games of the play-in race.

If Utah can make an extended postseason run, Markkanen plans to push his reporting date back to July. However, he'd report as soon as April 17 if the Jazz are eliminated soon.

The former seventh overall pick doesn't believe the service will entirely derail his usual offseason training.

"Of course I'd rather be working out like I normally do, but I've heard they do a good job of combining the two," Markkanen added. "You're able to do your job working as an athlete and your basic training at the same time."