Looking at just this season (a clear career-best for Markannen and mediocre for Durant)

Markannen is a similar shooter to Durant (at least this year).  But on less volume (and quality generally goes down as volume increases, so it's not just as easy as having him do more)

But he's nowhere near the defender Durant is (-0.9 DBPM for Markannen, 1.0 for Durant) or the creator Durant is.

From my perspective, that's the biggest issue with Markannen and why he has to be viewed as a complementary player (albeit a very good one).  He doesn't make things happen for the rest of the team or create for the offense.  The Jazz need a high-level #1 who will have the ball in their hands.  Markannen is a great #2 (in part because he DOESN'T need the ball in his hands).

Others with elite TS% include Rudy Gobert, Mason Plumlee, Brandon Clarke, Jarrett Allen, Onyeka Okongwu, Clint Capela.

Honestly, if you're looking for the closest comparison for Lauri Markannen, it's not Kevin Durant... it's Christian Wood.

Markannen has been slightly better... but the numbers are actually very similar for two new players on new teams that are spreading their wings

• TS% is similiar (Markannen 67%, Wood 64%)
• Usage is similar (Markannen 25%, Wood 26%)
• Rebound % is similar (Markannen 14%, Wood 17%)
• Assist % is similar (Markannen 8%, Wood 10%)
• PER is similar (Markannen 22.9, Wood 20.8)
• Both are taking over 1/3rd of their shots from 3 (Markannen 45%, Wood 37%) and hitting at an above average rate (Markannen 43%, Wood 39%)

Yeah, I'd rather have Markannen - he's more flexible and honestly is better.  It's also not entirely a fair comparison because Wood benefits from Luka...

but it's at least as reasonable as comparing Markannen to Durant in one stat and using it as evidence that he can be the #1 guy.  Like I said, Markannen is a great #2 on a championship contending team.  Unless he takes another major leap, we still need a #1 guy