Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen will not compete for Finland this summer. Finland is set to compete in Group B of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Valencia, Spain. Other teams in the group include the Bahamas and Poland. The winner of Group B will play Spain, Angola or Lebanon for a berth in this summer's Paris Olympics.
Markkanen is still rehabbing from a right shoulder injury suffered during last season. The Jazz star expressed disappointment at missing the Qualifying Tournament.
"Certainly, this is tough," Markkanen said. "Representing Finland and playing for the national team is an honor for me. Along with my teammates, we have been talking all season about how sweet it would be to advance to the Olympic Games."
Finland is set to host 2025 EuroBasket. Markkanen made it clear he's ready for that competition by saying, "Those dates are marked on my calendar."