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2017 NBA Mock Draft, Week 26: The Timberwolves’ young core improves

By Chris Stone

Jan 14, 2017; Stanford, CA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) gets the rebound against the Stanford Cardinal in the first half at Maples Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2017; Stanford, CA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) gets the rebound against the Stanford Cardinal in the first half at Maples Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 9, 2017; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) moves around Colorado Buffaloes forward Lucas Siewert (25) during the second half during the Pac-12 Conference Tournament at T-Mobile Arena. Arizona won 92-78. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Dahl-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2017; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) moves around Colorado Buffaloes forward Lucas Siewert (25) during the second half during the Pac-12 Conference Tournament at T-Mobile Arena. Arizona won 92-78. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Dahl-USA TODAY Sports /
Learn more about Lauri Markkanen at The Step Back.

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Lauri Markkanen

PF, Arizona

Lottery odds: 1.1 percent

Draft status: In with an agent

This is the Sacramento Kings second first round pick, the spoils of their trade with the New Orleans Pelicans for Demarcus Cousins.

The Kings obviously already have a bevy of big men on their roster, but the next best available prospects fit a similar mold. The good thing about Arizona’s Lauri Markkanen is that he brings a unique skill that few big men in the NBA can match. Markkanen is one of the best 7-foot tall prospects in draft history when it comes to shooting the ball. He made 42.3 percent of his 3-point attempts this season for the Wildcats on a high volume number of attempts and while shooting it well from the free throw line. Having a big man who can invert the floor is incredibly valuable as it puts defenders in uncomfortable positions and opens up driving lanes for guards.

Defensively, Markkanen is much more of a struggle. He rebounds well, but doesn’t protect the rim at all and certainly isn’t going to create many turnovers. He slides his feet pretty well for a 7-footer, which is a nice trait. Markkanen is going to create nearly all of his value in the NBA on the offensive end, though, and while Sacramento has big men, it doesn’t have one like him.

Learn more about Lauri Markkanen at The Step Back.