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NBA Mock Draft 2017, Week 17: Portland uses three first round picks

By Chris Stone

Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) dribbles against UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the first half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) dribbles against UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the first half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 11, 2017; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) dribbles past California Golden Bears forward Ivan Rabb (1) during the second half at McKale Center. Arizona won 62-57. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 11, 2017; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) dribbles past California Golden Bears forward Ivan Rabb (1) during the second half at McKale Center. Arizona won 62-57. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports /
Learn more about Lauri Markkanen at The Step Back.

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Lauri Markkanen

PF, Arizona

The Minnesota Timberwolves stood pat at the trade deadline, ultimately opting out of a deal centered around a Ricky Rubio-Derrick Rose swap. Beyond that, Minnesota has yet to live up to expectations this season and still needs to find additional pieces for the future. Arizona’s Lauri Markkanen is one prospect who could help fill some of those holes.

Markkanen is a power forward who would allow Karl-Anthony Towns to slide down to his more natural center position. The 7-footer also helps plug the outside shooting hole that the Wolves have. Markkanen may be the best big man shooting prospect in draft history. Despite a rough February, he is shooting 44.4 percent from 3 this season. He can knock down shots coming off of screens or in pick-and-pops. His presence would help invert the floor for Minnesota and mitigate some of Rubio and Andrew Wiggins’ shooting woes.

The questions for Markkanen largely come on the defensive end of the floor. For a 7-footer, he provides minimal rim protection and he’s not the most athletic defender. For stretches, Markkanen has looked good sliding his feet laterally, but he will rely on Towns to carry the bulk of the weight on that end.

Learn more about Lauri Markkanen at The Step Back.

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